I 


William  LinUacp 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON. 
THE  SEVERED  MANTLE.     Illustrated  in  color. 
HOUGHTON   MIFFLIN   COMPANY 

BOSTON    AND    NEW    YORK 


Red  Wine  of  Roussillon 


Red  Wine  of 
Roussillon 


A  Play  in  Four  Acts 


BY  WILLIAM  LINDSEY 


BOSTON  and  NEW  YORK 
HOUGHTON    MlFFLIN    COMPANY 

(€f)c  ffiitoersibe  pre»£  Cambribge 
1915 


COPYRIGHT,   1915,   BY   WILLIAM   LINDSEY 

Published  May  IQIJ 


All  rights  reserved,  including  the  rights  of 
production,  translation,  and  adaptation. 

The  acting  rights,  both  professional  and  am 
ateur,  are  fully  protected,  and  no  performance 
may  be  given  except  by  special  arrangement 
with  the  author,  who  may  bt  addressed  in  care 
of  the  publishers. 


TO 

MY  DAUGHTER 
LESLIE 


324955 


CHARACTERS 


RAIMON 
GUILHEM 
BERGUEDAN 
VIDAL 

AlMAR 

BARRAL 
PEIRE 
AMFOS 
AUDIART 

TlMON 

SEREMONDA 

GUIDA 

ERMENGARDA 

CLARA 

ADELE 

MARTHE 


Count  of  Roussillon 

Lord  of  Cabestaing 

A  Spanish  Troubadour 

A  Provencal  Troubadour 

A  Priest 

Raimon's  Squire 

An  Innkeeper 

A  Juggler 

A  Tumbler 

A  Blind  Beggar 

Countess  of  Roussillon 

Sister  of  Seremonda 

Raimon's  Grand-Aunt 

Maid  of  Inn 

A  Tire-Maiden 

A  Lame  Beggar 


Villagers^  Servants,  Etc. 


ACT  I 

SCENE     I.        Village  of  Roussillon. 

Early  Morning  of  First  Day. 

SCENE  II.        Great  Hall  of  Castle. 

ACT  II 

SCENE     I.        The  Forest. 

Morning  of  Second  Day. 

SCENE  II.        The  Garden. 

ACT  III 

SCENE     I.        A  Tiring-Room. 

Evening  of  Second  Day. 

SCENE  II.        Great  Hall  of  Castle. 

ACT  IV 

SCENE     I.        Village  of  Roussillon. 

Morning  of  Third  Day. 

SCENE  II.        Great  Hall  of  Castle. 

Evening  of  Third  Day. 


Red  Wine  of  Roussillon 

ACT  I 


Red  Wine  of 
Roussillon 

ACT  I.    SCENE  I. 

Early  morning  of  a  May  day,  in  the  latter  part 
of  the  twelfth  century.  The  village  of  Roussillon. 
At  the  left  is  a  little  church.  At  the  back  is  a  rude 
shrine  to  the  Fir  gin.  On  the  right  is  the  Inn  of  the 
Black  Ram  with  an  arbour  overgrown  by  a  grape 
vine,  and  opening  front.  In  the  distance  is  seen 
the  tower  of  the  castle.  From  the  square  run  two 
streets,  one  back  of  the  church,  the  other  to  the 
castle.  On  the  steps  of  the  church  are  two  old  beg 
gars:  one,  a  blind  man  fast  asleep,  his  head  on  his 
knees;  the  other,  a  woman,  with  a  bunch  of  candles 
in  her  hand.  As  the  scene  opens  there  is  the  sound 
of  rude  voices  chanting  the  mass.  In  the  arbour 
sits  VIDAL  at  a  table  on  which  is  a  beaker  of  wine, 
from  which  he  takes  long  draughts.  He  is  a  little 


4         RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

man  with  a  pointed  beard.  He  is  handsomely 
dressed  and  affected  in  speech  and  manner.  He 
has  a  sword  at  his  side,  and  his  lute  leans  against 
the  table.  AUDIART  sits  in  front  doorway  of  the  inn, 
with  a  tankard  of  wine  between  his  knees.  VIDAL 
throws  back  his  head  and  drinks  the  last  drop  from 
the  beaker,  then  pounds  on  the  table.  CLARA 
emerges  from  a  door  of  the  inn,  which  opens  into 
the  arbour,  and  runs  quickly  forward. 

VIDAL 
Another  stoup!  The  same  wine  as  the  last! 

CLARA 

Another  stoup !  What  is  there  wrong  with  this  ? 
The  same  wine!  Good  my  Lord,  you've  drunk 

it  up. 
I  '11  bring  its  like  if  that  will  pleasure  you. 

VIDAL 

Wouldst  play  with  words  while  I  die  here  with 

thirst? 

Hasten,  fair  Hebe,  for  my  throat  is  parched. 
Your  roads  in  Languedoc  are  white  with  dust. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON         5 
CLARA 

Hebe,  forsooth! 

I  know  a  dog  that  bears  the  selfsame  name; 

She  is  a  laggard,  and  her  like  I'll  be; 

A  Hebe  would  not  hasten  for  your  wine. 

(CLARA  walks  slowly,  but  at  VIDAL'S  gesture 
of  appeal,  she  laughs  and  runs  briskly  into 
the  inn.  VIDAL  rises  to  his  feet  and  struts 
up  and  down  the  arbour.  Sings :) 

Love  is  the  wine  of  life, 

We'll  drink  it,  you  and  I. 

Who  cares  to  eat,  when  love  is  sweet, 

And  Nicolette  is  nigh? 

(Reenter  CLARA  with  brimming  stoup  of  wine) 

VIDAL 

Be  careful,  pretty  maid!   Spill  not  one  drop! 
(CLARA  gives  stoup  to  VIDAL,  who  takes  a 
long  draught.) 

CLARA 

And  yet  you   spill   a  thousand  —  down   your 
throat. 


6         RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

VlDAL 

It  is  not  wasted  there.   'T  is  royal  wine. 
Only  Olympus  boasts  a  richer  grape. 

(Looking  admiringly  at  CLARA) 
Hebe  herself  is  not  more  fair  than  thou. 

CLARA 

A  richer  grape! 

There  are  no  vines  like  those  of  Roussillon. 
Listen!  My  name  is  Clara.  Mind  it  well. 
Where  is  Olympus? 

VIDAL 

Ten  leagues  away  and  famous  for  its  wine. 
They  call  it  nectar. 

CLARA 

Our  good  red  wine  is  better,  that  I  swear. 
Who  is  this  Hebe?   Serves  she  at  an  inn? 

VIDAL 

Hebe  might  be 

Your  sister,  for  her  arms  are  round  like  yours. 
Her  eyes  like  yours  are  blue;  her  lips  are  red. 
(ViDAL  tries  to  kiss  her,  but  she  turns  her  face 
away.) 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON'        7 

A  handbreadth  taller  is  she,  and  her  waist  — 
(ViDAL  tries  to  embrace  her,  but  she  easily 
holds  him  at  arm's  length,  laughing  at  his 
efforts.) 

CLARA 
You  need  not  measure  mine! 

(BERGUEDAN  enters  from  street  at  left.  He  is 
a  tall  man,  handsome,  of  a  Spanish  type. 
He  is  too  richly  dressed,  and  walks  with  a 
swagger.  He  is  followed  by  AMFOS,  who 
carries  a  lute.  AMFOS  goes  to  AUDIART, 
who  smiles  and  offers  him  the  tankard. 
AMFOS  drinks  after  looking  suspiciously  at 
it  and  wiping  the  brim  on  his  sleeve.  He 
is  thin  and  pale.  BERGUEDAN  crosses  the 
square  and  looks  through  the  entrance  of 
the  arbour,  a  smile  on  his  face,  at  VIDAL 
and  CLARA,  who  do  not  notice  him.) 

VIDAL 

I  have  a  girdle  I  would  give  to  you, 
And   yet,    how   can    I    know    'twill    fit    your 
waist  ? 


8         RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

CLARA 

It  must  be  longer  than  your  arm.  Take  it 
To  your  Olympus  where  fair  Hebe  dwells. 
Is  it  the  town  from  whence  you  came? 

(ViDAL  passes  an  arm  around  CLARA,  who 
no  longer  repulses  him.) 

VIDAL 

I  am  from  fair  Toulouse;  —  a  troubadour, 
Who  sings  the  praise  of  ladies  bountiful. 

CLARA 

You  should  be  praising  God  within  the  church. 
They  wait  for  your  sweet  voice  across  the  way. 

VIDAL 

My  God  is  love.   We'll  have  a  service  here. 
I'll  be  the  priest  and  you  the  acolyte. 

(BERGUEDAN  suddenly  enters  arbour) 
BERGUEDAN 

And  I  the  bishop,  then. 

Go  get  you  gone,  my  little  priest  of  love. 

(BERGUEDAN  seizes  CLARA  and  kisses  her  in 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON         9 

spite  of  her  struggles.  VIDAL  springs  up 
furious,  draws  his  sword  and  threatens 
BERGUEDAN.) 

VIDAL 

By  Saint  Sernin!  I'll  have  your  life. 
You  took  the  girl  out  of  my  very  arms. 

(BERGUEDAN  laughs  mockingly.) 

BERGUEDAN 

A  sparrow  hawk  has  little  chance  for  game 
When  the  gerfalcon's  broader  wings  are  free. 
Put  up  your  sword  or  you  may  prick  yourself: 
I  do  not  fight  with  little  men  like  you. 

(ViDAL  is  about  to  spring  at  BERGUEDAN, 
who  continues  to  laugh  and  does  not  even 
draw  his  sword.  CLARA  throws  her  arms 
around  VIDAL,  and  holds  him  tight  in 
spite  of  his  struggles.) 

CLARA 

(Pretending  terror) 

Good  Messire  Vidal!  Have  a  care! 
I  beg,  I  pray  you  do  not  kill  him  here. 
Think  of  the  good  name  of  the  inn. 


io       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

VlDAL 

At  your  entreaty  will  I  spare  his  life. 

The  little  man  could  spit  him  on  this  blade, 

Cared  he  to  quarrel  in  a  country  inn 

'Gainst  a  strange  bully  with  a  boasting  tongue! 

BERGUEDAN 

(Feigning  astonishment) 

You  do  not  know  me,  then? 

My  name  is  Berguedan.   I  am  from  Spain, 

A  troubadour,  a  knight,  a  gay  gallant, 

(Looking  at  CLARA) 
A  lover  who  has  never  been  denied 
By  village  beauty  or  by  castle  dame. 

CLARA 

F  faith  't  is  raining  troubadours  to-day. 
And  liars  too.   From  what  clouds  do  they  fall? 
(CLARA  goes  to  door  and  examines  sky  care- 
fully.) 

BERGUEDAN 

I  did  but  jest.   Come,  let's  be  friends. 

(ViDAL,  at  first  resentful,  finally  drops  his 
sword  and  embraces  BERGUEDAN.) 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       n 

VlDAL 

We're  brother  troubadours.  I  know  your  songs, 
And  mine  are  carolled  by  a  thousand  throats. 
You've  heard  the  name  of  Vidal.  Who  has  not? 

BERGUEDAN 

Your  reputation  flames  through  Aragon. 

I  '11  drink  to  your  good  health.  My  pretty  maid, 

Come,  bring  us  wine.  Fetch  us  your  best. 

CLARA 

There  is  no  bad  wine  made  in  Roussillon: 
There  is  no  good.   It  is  all  best. 

(Exit  CLARA.) 

BERGUEDAN 

Have  you  heard  Borneil  yet?  Queen  Rumor  says 
He  is  the  master  of  us  all. 

VIDAL 

My  master!  No.   He  has  no  voice  at  all. 
He  cannot  sing.  He  only  chants  his  songs. 


12       RED  WINE   OF  ROUSSILLON 

BERGUEDAN 

Well,  so  do  I,  and  think  it  better  far 

Than  drown  the  sense  beneath  a  flood  of  sound. 

The  troubadour  must  be  a  poet  first. 

VIDAL 

But  if  he  sings,  his  net  is  doubly  meshed 
To  catch  all  hearts.   I  know  it  passing  well. 
I  could  tell  tales. 

BERGUEDAN 

I'm  sure  you  could,  you  fisherman  of  hearts. 
What  is  your  voice,  a  tenor  or  a  bass? 

VIDAL 

Do  you  not  know?  Listen  to  this. 

(ViDAL  sings,  ending  with  a  high  falsetto  note.) 
It's  called  a  "vapour  tenor."   JT  is  unique. 

BERGUEDAN 

I  swear  I  never  heard  its  like  before. 

(BERGUEDAN  takes  VIDAL'S  lute  up,  touches 

the  strings,  and  examines  it  carefully.) 
Where  got  you  this? 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       13 

VlDAL 

'T  was  from  the  hand  of  Lady  Alazais, 
And  with  it  came  this  chain  around  my  neck, 
An  ambling  palfrey  and  a  well-filled  purse; 
What  else  I  am  too  gently  bred  to  tell. 

(Enter  CLARA,  who  puts  wine  on  table.    VIDAL 
drinks) 

BERGUEDAN 

She  could  deny  you  nothing,  I  am  sure. 

(BERGUEDAN  drinks  and  smacks  his  lips.) 
My  throat  was  parched.   It  is  a  royal  wine. 
Whose  are  the  grapes  from  which  this  juice  was 
pressed? 

CLARA 

Far  as  the  eye  can  reach,  each  foot  of  land 
Belongs  to  Raimon,  Count  of  Roussillon< 
Or  did;  the  man  is  dead,  God  rest  his  soul! 

BERGUEDAN 

Dead,  say  you!  Dead!  With  ruddy  wine  like  this ! 
He  should  have  lived  a  hundred  happy  years. 


14      .RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

CLARA 

So  might  he,  had  he  stayed  in  Roussillon. 
He  went  to  Palestine  across  the  sea. 

BERGUEDAN 

And  left  untouched  one  butt  of  wine  like  this ! 
Sit  on  my  knee  and  tell  me  why. 

CLARA 

A  gosling  with  a  fox!  I'm  safer  here  — 
Beyond  your  reach. 

(BERGUEDAN  seizes  her  and  tries  to  pull  her 
down.   CLARA  gives  a  little  scream.) 

I'll  cry  so  loud  I  swear 
The  worshippers  will  run  to  rescue  me. 

(CLARA  smooths  her  hair  and  dress  and  looks 
resentfully  at  BERGUEDAN.) 

BERGUEDAN 
What  if  there  were  no  rescuers  near? 

CLARA 

I  would  not  fear  you.   See  this  dagger  stuck 
Within  my  garter  girdle  ?   'T  is  a  way 
We  maidens  have  in  merry  Languedoc. 

(CLARA  shows  dagger  in  garter.) 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       15 

VlDAL 

Is  it  a  dagger?  Let  me  look  again. 

(CLARA  drops  her  skirt  with  assumed  modesty.) 

CLARA 
You  look  not  at  the  blade. 

BERGUEDAN 

A  pretty  plaything,  truly!  By  the  mass, 
My  heart  is  turned  to  ice  at  sight  of  it. 
I  understand  why  Raimon  ran  away. 

CLARA 

(Very  seriously) 

I  '11  tell  you  why.  —  Our  Count  of  Roussillon 
Loved  Seremonda,  a  young  demoiselle, 
Whose  father  gave  her  to  another  lord. 
But  on  the  wedding  day,  into  the  church 
Rushed  Raimon,  mad  with  rage  and  jealousy. 
He  slew  his  rival,  bore  the  lady  back 
To  Roussillon,  and  married  her  by  force. 

BERGUEDAN 

She  had  forgot  her  dagger,  then. 

(CLARA  raises  her  finger  warningly.) 


16       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 
CLARA 

The  very  altar  steps  were  splashed  with  blood, 
And  in  the  mellay  e'en  the  priest  was  hurt. 

BERGUEDAN 
He  was  a  fool  to  strike  a  priest. 

CLARA 

All  Languedoc  was  vibrant  with  the  crime, 
And  punishment  came  quickly;  for  the  curse 
Of  Holy  Church  was  put  on  Raimon's  soul. 

VIDAL 

I  like  your  lusty  Lord  of  Roussillon; 

He  was  a  strong  man  after  mine  own  heart. 

What  was  his  penance? 

CLARA 

They  sent  him  on  a  weary  pilgrimage 
To  Christ's  own  river  in  the  Holy  Land. 

BERGUEDAN 

With  not  a  drop  of  his  Roussillon  wine! 
Died  he  of  thirst? 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       17 
CLARA 

Why  mock  at  sacred  things? 

He  joined  the  army  of  the  blessed  cross, 

And  in  the  battle  of  Tiberias, 

Met  an  untimely  fate. 

VIDAL 
God  rest  his  soul!  Death  gets  us  all  at  last. 

CLARA 

God  save  and  pardon  him. 

(All  the  time  there  is  the  sound  of  voices  in  the 
church  celebrating  mass.  This  ceases  and 
the  worshippers  emerge  from  the  church 
door.) 

MARTHE 
Alms,  for  the  love  of  God. 

TIMON 

Help  me,  a  poor  blind  man. 

(Both  continue  to  cry  until  the  church  is 
emptied.  The  young  men  and  maidens  run 


i8       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

down  the  street  at  right  of  church.  CLARA, 
VIDAL,  and  BERGUEDAN  stand  looking 
through  the  vine.) 

CLARA 

See  how  the  youths  and  maidens  hurry  off. 
It  is  a  feast  day,  and  among  the  fields 
They  seek  the  early  blooming  asphodel. 

BERGUEDAN 

And  if  a  maid  is  kissed  behind  a  hedge, 
She'll  draw  the  dagger  from  her  garter  hung? 

CLARA 

(Looking  knowingly) 
If  she's  not  kissed  she  may. 

VIDAL 
What  do  they  when  the  sun  is  high? 

CLARA 

They  gather  then  before  the  inn, 
And  sing  an  old-world  song  known  only  here. 
T  is  called  "The  Jealous  Husband,"  and  the 
dance 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON        19 

That  goes  with  it,  I  swear  you  never  saw 
In  far  Olympus  where  your  Hebe  dwells. 

VIDAL 

For  village  dances  I  care  not. 
I'll  to  the  castle;  haply  I  may  find 
The  widowed  Seremonda  affable.  — 
And  is  she  fair? 

CLARA 
As  sweet  as  April  —  and  as  wayward  too. 

VIDAL 
I'll  sing  to  her. 

BERGUEDAN 

And  I.    'T  is  sweet  to  bring 
Soft  consolation  to  a  wife  bereft, 
If  she  be  young  —  and  beautiful  —  and  rich. 

VIDAL 

I  '11  wager  this  gold  chain,  around  my  neck, 
'Gainst  what  you  will,  of  value  like  to  like, 


20       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

I  win  the  first  sweet  favour  from  her  hand; 
Some  sign  of  love,  a  kerchief  or  a  flower. 

(BERGUEDAN  examines  chain  carefully,  and 
then  shows  his  finger  to  VIDAL.) 

BERGUEDAN 
I'll  risk  this  ring  —  'twould  buy  two  chains 

like  yours. 

I  would  be  fair  with  you.   'T  is  only  just. 
The  ladies  love  not  little  men. 

VIDAL 

I'm  weary  of  your  "little  men"; 
I'll  kill  you  if  you  use  the  words  again. 

CLARA 

Fight  not  for  her. 
Little  or  big,  she  will  not  notice  you. 

VIDAL 

And  why,  forsooth  ?  Others  have  smiled  on  me. 
Maids,  wives,  and  widows  have  I  taught  to  love. 

BERGUEDAN 

I  am  a  master  in  blind  Cupid's  school. 
I'll  lesson  her. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       21 

CLARA 

She  hath  a  younger  troubadour, 
His  voice  is  honey  and  his  face  a  dream. 
A  whit  too  much  the  saint  he  is  for  me, 
But  suits  fair  Seremonda  passing  well:  — 
Although  she  is  no  saint  she  favours  him. 
She'll  never  smile  on  you  with  Guilhem  near. 

BERGUEDAN 

And  if  I  please  her  not,  what  do  I  care? 
I'll  tell  some  story  with  a  hidden  twist 
To  make  her  doubt  her  Guilhem's  steadfastness ; 
I  love  to  mock  at  love. 

CLARA 
She  would  not  listen.   Do  you  joy  in  lies? 

VIDAL 

When  but  a  little  lad  my  fondest  game 
Was  to  entangle  the  bright  skeins  of  yarn 
With  which  the  tire-maids  wrought  the  tapestry. 
And  now  I  love  to  intertwine  Life's  skein, 
To  see  the  puzzled  fingers  as  they  grope 
Amid  the  threads,  mixed  in  a  hopeless  snarl. 


22       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

If  not  the  lover's,  then  the  tangler's  part 
I  play  —  I  care  not  which. 

CLARA 
A  meddler  and  a  mocker!  which  is  worse! 

(GuiDA  emerges  from  church) 
This  is  the  Lady  Gui4a;  she  is  fair, 
And  good,  and  kind,  and  walks  a  path  discreet. 
Older  than  Seremonda  by  three  years, 
She  guards  her  sister  like  a  little  child 
Whose  heart  is  wilful  and  whose  footsteps  stray. 

BERGUEDAN 

Her  hair  is  like  a  shadow  of  the  night, 
Her  face  is  fair,  her  eyes  are  beautiful  — 
And  yet  she  is  too  cold  to  suit  my  taste. 

CLARA 

She's  much  too  good  for  you. 

(ERMENGARDA  enters  from  church) 
The  lady  Ermengarda  follows  her; 
Grand-aunt  to  Raimon  is  she  —  and  a  cat. 

VIDAL 

An  aged  tabby.  Though  her  eyes  are  dim, 
Her  claws  are  curved  and  sharp. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       23 

CLARA 

Nought  'scapes  her.    Eyes  and  claws  alike  are 
keen. 

(ERMENGARDA  puts  hand  on  GUIDA'S  shoulder 
and  they  descend  steps.) 

ERMENGARDA 
I  'd  wait  for  Seremonda,  —  not  so  fast. 

GUIDA 
She  needs  us  not  with  Guilhem  by  her  side. 

ERMENGARDA 
She  wants  us  not,  you  mean. 

GUIDA 

She  neither  needs  nor  wants  us;  let  us  go. 
They'll  pass  us  e'er  we  reach  the  castle  gate. 

ERMENGARDA 
I  like  to  keep  my  eyes  upon  the  pair. 

GUIDA 

They  need  no  watching.  Let  them  follow  us: 
The  maids  are  idling  in  the  kitchen  now. 


24       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

ERMENGARDA 

The  lazy  drabs!  I'll  beat  them  with  this  crutch. 
(ERMENGARDA  brandishes  crutch.   GUIDA  and 
ERMENGARDA  exit  down  street  at  right.} 

(Enter  SEREMONDA  and  GUILHEM /row  church) 

CLARA 
That's  Seremonda  —  Guilhem  by  her  side. 

BERGUEDAN 

Ah  I   She's  no  maid  of  ice. 

The  very  wind  grows  warm  for  love  of  her. 

VIDAL 

Blonde  Helen  is  she  of  wide  Languedoc. 

I'd  risk  my  head  to  win  her  smile. 

(GUILHEM  gives  his  hand  with  great  devotion. 
SEREMONDA  pauses  at  the  top  step  and, 
bending  over,  whispers  into  GUI LH EM'S 
ear,  pointing  down  road  at  ERMENGARDA. 
GUILHEM  smiles  up  at  her.) 

GUILHEM 
We'll  take  the  forest  path,  and  fool  your  aunt. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       25 

SEREMONDA 
'T  is  twice  as  far. 

GlJILHEM 

No  path  is  long  when  you  are  by  my  side. 

SEREMONDA 

If  you  will  gather  asphodel  for  me, 

And  play  that  we  are  peasant  man  and  maid, 

I  '11  go  with  you  —  the  longer  way. 

(BERGUEDAN  shakes  the  dust  from  his 
shoulder,  VIDAL  pulls  down  the  lace  at  his 
sleeve,  and  both  saunter  out  of  the  arbour 
into  the  street.  Neither  SEREMONDA  nor 
GUILHEM  notices  them  at  all.  VIDAL  and 
BERGUEDAN  follow  down  the  street.  CLARA 
turns  to  the  table  with  a  derisive  gesture, 
wipes  it,  and  takes  the  empty  stoup  into 
the  inn.  Exit  GUILHEM  and  SEREMONDA.) 

AUDIART 

Well,  brother  juggler,  't  is  a  lucky  day. 
I  hope  Dame  Fortune  smiles  on  you. 


26       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

AMFOS 
Dame  Fortune  is  a  jade,  a  scurvy  jade. 

AUDIART 

The  more  fool  you  to  rail  at  her. 

How  is  your  master?  Does  he  feed  you  well? 

AMFOS 

Indifferent  well. 

He  says  gaunt  Famine  stalks  where'er  I  go. 

AUDIART 
I'd  bleed  his  purse. 

AMFOS 

He  is  too  sharp  for  me. 
I  cannot  rob  him  of  a  copper  coin 
But  I  am  caught  and  beaten  to  the  bone. 
I  am  a  juggler,  but  no  slight  of  hand 
Can  cozen  him.  What  is  your  forte? 

AUDIART 

I  am  a  tumbler,  and  the  little  man 

I  call  my  master  treats  me  passing  well. 

He's  never  angry,  and  he  beats  me  not 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       27 

Unless  I  trim  his  pointed  beard  awry. 
A  single  hair  will  make  him  furious. 

(He  knocks  on  door  and  CLARA  comes  to  it. 

AUDIART  points  at  AMFOS.) 
This  gentleman  desires  a  stoup  of  wine. 

AMFOS 
I  did  not  say  I'd  pay  for  wine. 

AUDIART 
You've  drank  the  half  of  mine. 

AMFOS 
Yours  was  half  gone  before  it  touched  my  lips. ' 

CLARA 

(Scornfully) 

Well,  is  it  yes  or  no?  I  have  my  work, 
I  cannot  linger  here. 

AUDIART 

You  did  not  hasten  when  my  master  held 
His  little  arm  like  this.  (ArchingMs  arm.) 

(CLARA  cuffs  AUDIART,  who  rolls  over  and 
comes  up  on  his  feet  with  a  handspring, 
laughing  mockingly.) 


28       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

CLARA 

Your  masters  were  but  little  to  my  taste, 
The  men  are  not  at  all.   Well,  will  you  drink? 

AMFOS 

We'll  have  a  stoup  of  wine  inside  the  house. 
That  black  cloud  threatens  rain. 

(The  day  grows  darker.  CLARA  enters  inn 
followed  by  AUDIART  and  AMFOS.  Enter 
RAIMON  and  BARRAL  from  street,  left. 
They  are  both  armed  and  white  with  dust. 
Removing  his  helmet,  RAIMON  falls  on  his 
knees  before  the  shrine,  bows  his  head, 
crosses  himself,  and  prays.  AIMAR  comes 
through  the  church  door,  followed  by  a  little 
acolyte.  He  slowly  descends  the  church  steps, 
comes  to  RAIMON' s  side  and  puts  his  hand 
on  RAIMON'S  shoulder.  The  latter  looks  up 
and  says:) 

RAIMON 

Bless  me,  good  Father. 

(AiMAR  recognizes  RAIMON  and  staggers  back 
pale  with  fear  and  astonishment.) 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       29 
AIMAR 

Raimon  of  Roussillon! 

RAIMON 
Bless  me,  good  Father  Aimar. 

AIMAR 
Your  penance  is  complete? 

RAIMON 

To  the  last  act.  Within  the  Jordan's  waves, 
I  washed  myself  white  as  the  spotless  snow. 

AIMAR 
The  absolution  of  the  Church  is  yours  ? 

RAIMON 

My  sin  is  expiate,  my  heart  is  clean. 
The  evil  from  my  soul  is  swept  away. 

(AIMAR  blesses  him  and  RAIMON  rises  to  his 
feet.) 

AIMAR 

The  Scripture  tells  of  one  whose  heart  was  purged, 
But  nowhere  could  the  banished  demon  find 


30       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

A  place  to  rest.   So  back  he  came,  again, 

And  with  him  seven  evil  spirits  more, 

To  dwell  within  the  swept  and  garnished  soul. 

RAIMON 
Truly,  good  Father,  I  would  keep  from  sin. 

AIMAR 

My  son,  I  know  how  riotous  is  your  blood: 
'T  is  like  your  wine,  too  full  of  liquid  fire! 
Cease  not  to  pray. 

RAIMON 

(With  a  gesture  of  impatience) 

I'm  not  a  priest,  good  father,  nor  a  monk. 
I  Ve  given  two  long  years  out  of  my  life 
To  pay  the  forfeit  of  a  moment's  sin. 

AIMAR 

You  killed  a  man  upon  the  altar  steps; 
The  curse  of  Holy  Church  was  on  your  soul. 
A  full  month  lived  you  excommunicate 
Before  you  made  submission. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       31 

RAIMON 

(Shrugging  his  shoulders') 

The  Counts  of  Roussillon  have  stubborn  backs. 

My  knees  were  stiff  and  bent  not  easily, 

Yet  they  did  bend  with  many  a  creak  and  groan. 

AIMAR 

You  bowed  before  the  mandate  of  the  Church, 
And  went  a  pilgrim  to  the  Holy  Land. 

RAIMON 

Yet  more  —  I  fought,  a  soldier  of  the  Cross. 
I  was  a  captive,  face  to  face  with  Death. 
This  paid  my  reckoning  with  a  liberal  hand. 
Well    now,    good    father    Aimar,  —  mark    me 

well,  — 

I've  drunk  the  dregs  out  of  a  bitter  cup, 
I  crave  a  few  drops  of  the  "joy  of  life."  4 

AIMAR 

I  do  not  grudge  them,  yet  beware  of  sin. 
Upon  your  brow  you  bear  the  mark  of  Cain, 
And  still  within  your  breast  you  hold  the  wife 
T^or  whom  you  dared  the  wrath  of  Heaven. 


32       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

RAIMON 

She  was  well  worth  the  risk.  Tell  me  of  her. 
I  'm  thirsty  for  the  wine  of  her  red  lips. 
Is  Seremonda  safe  and  well? 

AIMAR 

Well  is  she.    See  that  through  your  love  for 

her 
You  do  not  sin  again. 

(Looking  on  BARRAL) 

Who  is  this  man 
That  stands  so  still  and  silent  here? 

RAIMON 

His  name  is  Barral  and  he  is  my  squire. 
He  fought  with  me  at  black  Tiberias, 
And,  taken  captive,  from  his  mouth  they  tore 
His  quivering  tongue,  and  left  him  dumb  and 
mute. 

AIMAR 
(To  BARRAL) 

God  will  reward  you  for  all  suffering. 
And  give  you  perfect  speech  in  Heaven. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       33 

RAIMON 

He's  brave  and  faithful  and  I  like  him  well, 
Almost  as  much  as  Guilhem.  Has  the  lad 
Grown  tall  and  strong? 

AIMAR 

Tall  is  he,  strong  and  good, 
And  he  has  won  his  spurs  for  knightly  deeds. 
He  can  be  trusted,  and  he  holds  himself 
With  the  strong  bridle  of  the  law  of  God. 
Pray  the  good  saints  for  power  to  restrain 
Your  passion  that  so  long  has  run  at  will. 

RAIMON 
'T  would  be  a  test  of  prayer  —  and  of  the  saints. 

AIMAR 

Trust  in  their  power. 

Now  must  I  leave  you,  for  the  pious  soul 

Of  an  old  peasant  waits,  that  my  poor  hand 

May  help  him  on  the  road  to  Paradise. 

I  wish,  my  lord,  I  wish  I  were  as  sure 

Your  swept  and  garnished  soul  could  climb  to 

heaven. 
(Exit  AIMAR  with  acolyte  down  street,  left. 


34       RED  WINE   OF  ROUSSILLON 

RAIMON  watches  AIMAR  until  he  disap 
pears,  then  draws  a  long  breath,  stretches  his 
arms,  and  looks  up  to  the  sky.  His  whole 
bearing  changes.) 

RAIMON 

Thank  God,  good  Barral,  I  am  home  again. 
There  is  no  air  like  that  of  Roussillon. 
No  black  sheep  are  there  like  its  ebon  flock. 
Its  red  wine  is  the  best  in  all  the  world, 
As  I  will  prove  if  you  but  follow  me. 

(They    cross    over,    enter    arbour,    and   seal 

themselves  at  a  table  facing  each  other.) 
Long  years  ago  a  Count  of  Roussillon 
Buried  his  enemy  within  a  field, 
And  o'er  his  body  planted  a  young  vine. 
This  flourished  like  the  gourd  of  Araby, 
And  bore  great  clusters  of  a  ruddy  grape, 
Which,  crushed  within  the  vat,  became  a  wine 
So  rich,  its  like  was  not  in  Languedoc. 
The  simple  peasants  say  there  lingers  still 
A  drop  of  angry  blood  in  every  cup. 

(BARRAL  makes  sign  of  unbelief.) 
I  know  not  whether  it  be  true  or  false, 
But  we  of  Roussillon  are  violent, 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       35 

And  many  lusty  sinners  lie  at  rest 
Upon  their  hard  beds  in  the  little  church 
With  coverlets  of  stone  upon  their  breasts. 
There  is  a  drop  of  blood  in  every  cup: 
I  wonder  can  we  taste  it,  you  and  I. 

(RAIMON  pounds  on  table  and  calls  out.) 
Here,  old  Peire,  you  sluggard!  Wake,  I  say, 
And  do  not  stop  to  yawn  and  rub  your  eyes, 
But  bring  two  giant  flagons  of  red  wine. 

(First  CLARA  looks  out,  and  shrinks  back 
with  a  scream.  Then  PEIRE  comes  to  door, 
blinking  at  the  light,  evidently  just  awak 
ened.  He  is  a  mass  of  flesh.  He  gazes 
stupidly  at  RAIMON.  RAIMON  laughs 
heartily.) 

RAIMON 
(To  BARRAL) 

He  once  was  called  our  sturdiest  man  at  arms. 

(To  PEIRE) 

Come,  good  Peire,  I'll  prove  I  am  no  ghost; 
Bring  to  me  here  a  stoup  of  wine. 

PEIRE 

God  bless  us,  master!   You  are  safe  and  sound? 


36       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

RAIMON 

I'm  safe  —  but,  by  Saint  Bacchus,  thirsty  too. 

Bring  us  two  stoups,  another  for  yourself, 

Or  send  out  Clara  and  I'll  kiss  the  maid. 

She'll  tell  you  if  my  lips  are  cold  with  death. 
(PEIRE  comes  slowly,  his  fat  face  wreathed  in 
smiles.  CLARA  follows  with  three  flagons 
of  wine  which  she  places  on  table.  RAIMON 
takes  her  on  his  knee  and  kisses  her.  She 
pulls  away,  blushing  and  smiling,  and 
runs  toward  the  house.  At  the  door  she 
turns  and  says:) 

CLARA 
'T  was  not  a  dead  man's  kiss. 

RAIMON 

You  hear  what  Clara  says?  Now,  good  Peire, 
I  '11  give  another  proof  I  am  no  ghost. 

(He  drinks  the  whole  flagon  without  a  stop. 
BARRAL  drinks  also.  BARRAL  makes  a 
gesture  of  delight.) 

There's  not  its  like  this  side  of  Paradise. 
Come,  Clara,  quick,  three  flagons  more. 

(CLARA  brings  full  flagons.) 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       37 

To-day  no  one  can  pay  for  wine  but  me. 
It  shall  be  free  to  every  passer  by. 

PEIRE 

'T  will  cost  you  dearly,  for  this  is  the  morn 
When  all  the  village  dances  in  the  square. 
There'll  be  a  crowd  of  them  before  this  door, 
Each  with  a  husky  throat,  thirsty  for  wine. 

RAIMON 

They're  all  my  guests,  come  they  from  far  or 

near. 

(BERGUEDAN  and  VIDAL  approach  slowly 
from  street  at  right  of  church.) 

PEIRE 

My  lord,  we've  mourned  you  as  one  dead. 
They  said  your  head  was  cleft  in  twain. 

RAIMON 

So  was  it  had  my  skull  not  been  too  thick. 

(PEIRE  examines  RAIMON'S  wound.) 

PEIRE 
They  nearly  had  you.    T  was  a  vicious  blow. 


38       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

RAIMON 

(Mockingly) 

'T  is  like  the  mark  of  Cain  upon  my  brow.  — 
You,  Barral,  heard  what  Aimar  said  to  me  — 
The  scimitar's  curved  edge  cuts  not  so  deep 
As  a  straight  sword-blade  in  a  heavy  hand. 

(RAIMON  draws  sword  from  belt.) 
I  wielded  this  until  my  nerveless  arm 
Hung  by  my  side.   I  could  not  lift  it  more. 

PEIRE 
There  is  no  better  sword  in  Languedoc. 

RAIMON 

A  day  and  night  I  lay  upon  the  field 

And  only  came  to  life  when  in  my  face 

A  greedy  vulture  stabbed  his  eager  beak. 

I  scarce  had  strength  to  beat  the  foul  bird  off. 

Then  I  was  captive  till  good  Barral  here 

Helped  me  to  'scape  to  Acre,  where  we  found 

A  ship  that  brought  us  home  at  last. 

PEIRE 
The  saints  be  praised! 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       39 

(Enter  BERGUEDAN  and  VIDAL) 

BERGUEDAN 
And  sinners  too. 

VIDAL 
And  love  and  song  and  wine. 

BERGUEDAN 
We'll  drink  to  love  and  song. 

PEIRE 

This  is  Count  Raimon,  whom  we  mourned  as 
dead. 

BERGUEDAN 
(Greatly  astonished) 
The  Count  of  Roussillon! 

RAIMON 

Who  bids  the  whole  world  be  his  guest  to-day. 
You  are  the  first  to  drink  with  me. 

VIDAL 

Right  gladly  will  I  —  your  good  health  (drinks). 
And  if  you  have  a  lady  young  and  fair 
I  '11  sing  her  praises  in  your  hall  to-night. 


4O       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 
BERGUEDAN 

One  voice  is  not  enough  to  glorify 

A  lovely  woman.   She  shall  hear  me  too. 

RAIMON 

You  both  shall  sing. 

I  '11  bring  you  to  my  castle,  where  your  eyes 

Shall  see  the  fairest  lady  'neath  the  sun. 

Sweet  is  she  as  the  blooming  asphodel, 

For  which  the  merry  peasants  seek  to-day.  — 

(Rising  with  his  hand  to  his  ear) 
Listen,  I  think  I  hear  them  singing  now. 

(Song,  first  faint,  grows  louder  until  youths 
and  maidens  enter  from  street  at  right  of 
church,  followed  by  villagers.  The  king  and 
queen  of  the  dancers  come  to  the  front  of  the 
stage.  The  king  is  very  old  and  feeble  with 
a  tinsel  crown  on  his  head.  The  queen  is 
young  and  beautiful.  She  also  has  a  crown. 
There  are  eight  others  in  the  dance,  four 
men  and  four  maids.) 

RAIMON 
That  is  chill  Winter,  he  who  wears  the  crown, 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON      41 

He's  called  the  jealous  husband,  and  his  queen 
Deserts  him  for  the  warm  embrace  of  Spring. 
(The  eight  young  peasants  join  hands  and 
dance  around  the  king  and  queen.  Then 
they  form  in  line  and,  passing  between  the 
king  and  queen,  the  men  dance  in  a  circle 
around  the  king  and  the  maids  around  the 
queen.  The  king  tries  to  break  through  the 
circle,  and  at  last  succeeds,  but  cannot 
reach  his  queen,  as  the  maids  will  not  un 
clasp  their  hands.) 

SONG 

Now  the  days  are  bright  and  clear,  heigho! 
Winter's  gone,  the  Spring  is  here,  heigho! 
And  our  young  queen  need  not  fear,  heigho! 
To  show  her  lord,  with  frown  austere, 
What  lusty  lad  she  fancies.  — 

Chorus 

Join  our  dance,  pretty  queen  of  the  May: 
Join  our  dance,  with  us  play. 
Go  away,  jealous  man,  go  away! 

Youths  have  come  from  far  and  near,  heigho! 
Here's  a  shepherd  without  peer,  heigho! 


42       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

Take  him  if  you  find  him  dear,  heigho! 

Be  a  gallant  mutineer, 

Veil  not  your  amorous  glances.  —  Chorus. 

See  him  try  to  domineer,  heigho! 

See  him  frown  and  see  him  sneer,  heigho! 

He's  an  old  man  bald  and  blear,  heigho! 

He's  too  ugly  to  appear 

With  her  whose  grace  entrances.  —  Chorus. 

Here's  a  youth  who  all  the  year,  heigho! 
Tends  the  vines.   Well  made  to  cheer,  heigho! 
Warm  his  heart,  his  love  sincere,  heigho! 
Call  him  if  you  wish  him  near; 
He  like  a  feather  dances.  —  Chorus. 


(At  the  close  of  the  song  the  dancers  form  two 
lines  headed  by  the  king  and  queen.  The 
king  and  the  four  young  men  fall  on  their 
knees  in  an  attitude  of  appeal.  The  queen  is 
about  to  choose  her  lover  and  throw  herself 
in  the  arms  of  the  vine-dresser  when  RAI- 
MON  springs  forward  and  seizes  her.  She 
screams,  the  peasants  are  startled,  and 
huddle  together  with  exclamations  of  fear 
and  astonishment.  PEIRE  comes  forward 
and  says:) 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       43 

PEIRE 

It  is  our  good  lord  safe  and  well, 
Who  bids  you  all  to  eat  and  drink  your  fill. 
And  he  who  sober  seeks  his  bed  to-night 
Must  fear  the  stern  displeasure  of  his  lord. 

(CLARA  comes  out  of  the  front  door  of  the  inn 

and,  unnoticed,  runs  up  the  street  toward 

the  castle.) 

RAIMON 

Well  said  I  My  good  Peire,  may  you,  and  I, 
And  all  the  world  young-hearted  be  to-day. 
The  joy  of  life  to  all! 


CURTAIN 


ACT  I.    SCENE  II. 


Great  Hall  of  RAIMON'S  castle.  Fireplace,  left 
centre.  A  doorway  lack  of  fireplace.  Two  narrow 
window-slits  in  right  wall,  and  between  these  win 
dows  a  door.  At  back  of  room  is  window  with  per 
pendicular  iron  bar.  This  window  is  raised  two 
steps  from  floor  and  has  a  stone  seat  around  it. 
Walls  are  hung  with  armour  and  weapons  of  war 
and  chase.  There  are  receptacles  for  torches.  At 
the  back  centre  is  a  long  table.  The  room  is  glowing 
with  light  streaming  through  the  long  window. 
GUIDA  and  ERMENGARDA  enter  through  right  doory 
dressed  as  at  church. 

ERMENGARDA 

They  passed  us  not.  You  are  foresworn. 
A  snail  had  passed  us  at  the  pace  we  came. 

GUIDA 
How  does  it  matter?  What  is  fretting  you? 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       45 

ERMENGARDA 
They're  like  two  mating  doves  upon  a  tower. 

GUIDA 

The  tower  is  good.  They've  nothing  to  conceal. 
A  year  ago  we  heard  Raimon  was  dead; 
A  week  it  is  since  GUI  of  Carcassone 
Returned  from  Palestine  and  told  us  that 
He  saw  the  count  stretched  on  the  fatal  field, 
Cleft  through  the  head.   What  would  you  more 

than  this? 

Should  Seremonda  shut  herself  within  a  tomb? 
She  is  too  young.  The  love  she  gave  her  lord 
Was  forced  from  her. 

ERMENGARDA 

She  did  not  love  her  lord. 

GUIDA 

What  does  it  matter  now  the  man  is  dead? 
(Enter  SEREMONDA  and  GUILHEM) 

ERMENGARDA 
Where  have  you  been? 


46       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

SEREMONDA 

We  took  the  forest  path.  Why  do  you  ask? 
Why  should  I  answer  you? 

GUIDA 

Come,  aunt,  I'll  to  my  tapestry 

'T  is  time  you  saw  the  maids  about  their  work. 
(Exit  GUIDA  and  ERMENGARDA,  the  latter 
grumbling  and  looking  over  her  shoulder. 
ADELE  enters  from  door,  left  rear,  and  re 
moves  SEREMONDA'S  mantle,  retiring  same 
door  as  entrance.  SEREMONDA  goes  to  a 
polished  shield  on  wall,  which  she  uses  for 
a  mirror.  GUILHEM  watches  her  admiringly. 
SEREMONDA  turns  to  him  with  a  smile.) 

SEREMONDA 
The  day  is  good,  and  scarce  an  hour  is  spent. 

GUILHEM 
Only  one  coin  gone  from  our  bag  of  gold. 

SEREMONDA 
Gold  hath  no  value  if  it  be  not  spent. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       47 

GUILHEM 

And  yet, 

I'd  like  a  miser  treasure  all  the  hours, 
And  watch  them  glisten  as  they  slowly  slip 
Between  my  loving  fingers,  one  by  one. 

SEREMONDA 

I'd  be  a  spendthrift  with  the  day 
And  buy  full  value  of  the  "joy  of  life." 

(SEREMONDA   goes   to   window   and  stands 
looking  out.) 

GUILHEM 
The  sunlight  makes  a  halo  of  your  hair. 

SEREMONDA 
(Laughing) 
I  am  no  saint. 

GUILHEM 
Tell  me,  my  lady,  whither  flies  your  wish? 

SEREMONDA 
Think  you  my  heart  has  wings? 


48        RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

GuiLHEM 

All  hearts  have  wings,  yet  some  from  flight  are 

held 
By  hateful  bars  they  cannot  hope  to  break. 

SEREMONDA 

And  some  are  blind  like  hooded  hawks,  who  cling 
Fast  to  the  falconer's  glove. 

GUILHEM 

The  falcon  hates  the  hood,  yet  he  must  wait 
Until  't  is  lifted  from  his  blinded  eyes. 

SEREMONDA 

Yet  all  birds  are  not  falcons,  strong  of  wing; 
Some  birds  there  be  who,  like  the  nightingale, 
Are  only  fit  for  song. 

GUILHEM 

And  others,  like  the  lark,  both  sing  and  fly, 
Forever  striving  toward  a  distant  heaven 
They  cannot  reach. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       49 
SEREMONDA 

(Looking  into  GUILHEM'S  eyes  with  a  smile) 
And  yet,  some  heavens  are  not  too  far  away. 
(GUILHEM  steps  toward  her  with  outstretched 
hand,  but  she  apparently  does  not  notice  him 
as  she  takes  seat  and  looks  out  of  window.) 
I  have  no  wish  this  morning  but  to  sit 
Here,  in  this  window,  and  to  feel  the  breeze, 
Fresh  from  the  waves,  play  with  my  hair. 

GUILHEM 
The  wind  is  happy;  would  I  were  the  wind. 

(SEREMONDA  looks  at  him  mockingly.) 

SEREMONDA 

You  are  a  faint  wind,  from  the  dreamy  South,  — 
A  lark  who  flutters  toward  a  distant  heaven^  — 
A  hooded  falcon,  held  in  the  demure,  — 
A  nightingale,  his  breast  against  a  thorn, 
Though  why  he  hurts  himself  no  one  can  tell. 
(GUILHEM  starts  to  speak,  but  she  lifts  a  warn 
ing  hand.) 
The  last  suits  best  and  you  may  sing  to  me. 


50       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

GUILHEM 

I  hope  I  am  at  least  a  lark  who  mounts 

On  valiant  wings  to  heaven.  What  shall  I  sing? 

SEREMONDA 

I  care  not,  just  a  verse  or  two,  no  more,  — 
I  love  the  hawk  more  than  the  simple  lark,  — 
A  hawk,  clear-eyed,  unhooded,  strong  of  wing. 

GUILHEM 

There  is  a  new  song  that  young  Arnaut  sings 
In  praise  of  Alazais.  I  am  not  sure 
I  have  each  word,  and  of  the  melody 
There  is,  alas,  no  single  note  I  know. 
One  line  is  beautiful  beyond  compare, 
And  all  night  long  it  whispered  in  my  ears. 

(GUILHEM  recites  the  lines.) 

SONG 

We  three,  my  lady,  you  and  I  —  and  Love,  — 

We  only  know  the  secret  of  a  treasure 

Which  blue-eyed  Hope  alone  may  weigh  and  measure. 

There's  not  its  like  in  blissful  heaven  above. 

I'll  breathe  the  secret  that  we  know  so  well  — 

My  heart  is  yours  —  yours  mine,  and  I  confess 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       51 

I  care  no  other  treasure  to  possess. 

Heaven   hath  no  charms  while  here  on  earth  we 

dwell,  — 
We  three,  my  lady,  you  and   I —  and  Love. 

(When  GUILHEM  finishes,  SEREMONDA  turns 
to  him,  her  face  aflame  with  love.) 

SEREMONDA 
Guilhem! 

GUILHEM 

My  queen. 

(GUILHEM  falls  on  his  knees  and  kisses 
SEREMONDA'S  hand.) 

SEREMONDA 
(Lifting  GUILHEM) 

A  dog  may  kiss  my  hand. 
(GUILHEM  kisses  SEREMONDA'S  cheek.) 

SEREMONDA 

My  cheek  is  free  to  every  noble  guest. 

(GUILHEM  seizes  her  in  his  arms  and  kisses 
her  on  the  lips  passionately.) 


52        RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

SEREMONDA 
You  are  no  longer  blind? 

GUILHEM 
At  last  I  look  undazzled  at  the  sun. 

SEREMONDA 

You  cannot  touch  and  taste  a  distant  sun. 

(GUILHEM  kisses  her  again.) 

GUILHEM 

I've  longed  for  this  sweet  draught 
As  one,  dying  of  thirst,  who  sees  a  spring 
Beneath  tall  palm  trees  waving  o'er  the  sands. 

SEREMONDA 

You  might  have  drunk  a  weary  year  ago  — 
The  spring  was  here  and  free  to  take. 

GUILHEM 
(Trembling) 
There's  more  than  water  in  that  draught. 

SEREMONDA 

It  stirs  your  pulse?  Sometimes  I've  had  the  fear 
That  in  your  veins  there  was  no  ardent  blood. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       53 

GuiLHEM 

I  thought  of  my  good  lord, 
My  oath  of  loyalty.  That  was  the  cage 
Through  whose  strong  bars  I  could  not  break. 
(GUILHEM  leaves  the  window  and  paces  up 
and  down  before  the  fireplace.  SEREMONDA 
follows  him  and  puts  her  hand  on  his  arm.) 

SEREMONDA 

Your  master  and  my  wicked  lord  was  dead, 
And  we  were  free.   My  heart  was  thirsty,  too; 
My  lips  were  parched  with  longing  for  your  kiss. 

GUILHEM 

We  had  sure  news  but  one  short  week  ago. 
I  prayed  that  he  might  live. 

SEREMONDA 

I  wished  him  dead. 

He  stole  me  from  the  blood-besprinkled  church, 
And  robbery  can  give  no  valid  right. 

GUILHEM 

Yet  he  was  good  to  me. 
And  e'en  I  think  he  loved  you  too. 


54       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

SEREMONDA 

He  loved  red  wine  as  well. 
He  loved  his  sword,  his  armour  and  his  dog. 
I  might  have  stood  the  equal  of  them  all 
But  the  black  charger  that  he  rode  to  war. 

(There  is  the  sound  of  a  distant  trumpet. 
GUILHEM  and  SEREMONDA  go  to  window, 
right  front.) 

GUILHEM 
Who  think  you  summons  us  ? 

SEREMONDA 
'T  is  far  away.   'T  is  naught. 

GUILHEM 

Only  the  horn  of  Death  can  frighten  us. 
We  must  be  fair  to  Raimon  who  has  heard 
The  fatal  trumpet.  May  he  rest  in  peace. 

SEREMONDA 
I  hope  he  suffers  rightly  for  his  sins. 

GUILHEM 

He  like  an  elder  brother  was  to  me, 
And  in  the  forest  once  he  saved  my  life: 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       55 

I'd  fallen  and  was  faint  and  weaponless, 
The  boar's  sharp  tusks  a  hand-breadth  from  my 
side. 

SEREMONDA 

Had  Raimon  been  as  close  to  me  as  you, 
He'd  clasped  me  in  his  arms  a  year  ago. 

(SEREMONDA  returns  to  seat  at  window. 
GUILHEM  makes  gesture  of  appeal,  and  falls 
on  his  knees  before  her.  SEREMONDA  re 
lents  and  caresses  his  hair  with  her  hand.) 

SEREMONDA 

Forgive  me,  Guilhem;  hate  me  not. 
I  love  you  none  the  less  because  my  heart 
Hath  little  honor  in  it  —  nought  but  love. 
Kiss  me  again. 

(They  embrace  and  kiss.) 

GUILHEM 

'T  is  like  a  fabled  fountain  of  the  East, 
And  he  who  drinks  must  ever  thirst  for  more. 

SEREMONDA 

We've  come  a  long  and  weary  road  to  reach 
This  heaven  at  last.  You  must  be  good  to  me, 


56       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

My  Guilhem.   For  until  this  blessed  hour, 

I've  had  but  glimpses  of  the  joy  of  life. 

Tell  me  when  first  love  blossomed  in  your  heart? 

GUILHEM 

I  always  loved  you  —  as  the  lark  the  sky. 
When  Raimon  told  me  ere  he  went  away 
Mv  service  was  to  be  on  you  alone, 
I  asked  no  more  of  heaven. 

SEREMONDA 

But  when  changed  love  to  passion  — Tell  me 
that. 

GUILHEM 

Do  you  remember  that  soft  night  in  June, 
When  we  together  in  this  window  sat, 
And  watched  the  moon  float  through  the  yield 
ing  clouds? 

SEREMONDA 
Never  shall  I  forget. 

GUILHEM 

You  asked  me,  "If  a  lady  gave  to  you 
Glances  of  love,  would  you  dare  answer  them?" 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       57 

SEREMONDA 

And  you  said,  "Yes,  if  I  were  only  sure 
Her  looks  had  truly  shown  her  heart." 

GUILHEM 

And  then  you  gazed  at  me  until  I  saw 

The  moon  no  more,  but  only  your  blue  eyes. 

And  when  you  smiled  and  whispered,  "Tell  me 

now, 

Is  this  glance  true  or  false?"  I  answered  then, 
"May  all  things  be  as  please  you  best." 

(The  trumpet  sounds  nearer,  and  GUILHEM 

goes  to  window.) 

A  moment  sooner  —  I  had  seen  them  pass. 
Now  they  are  hidden  by  the  winding  road. 

SEREMONDA 

What  care  we  who  they  are?   It  matters  not. 
(GUILHEM    returns    and    embraces    SERE 
MONDA.) 

GUILHEM 
Nought  matters  when  I  hold  you  in  my  arms. 


58        RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 
SEREMONDA 

T  is  good  to  be  alive  to-day; 
And  yet  I  never  in  this  window  sit 
But  to  my  heart  there  comes  the  chill  of  death. 

(Looks  out.) 

See  how  that  blue  wave  breaks  upon  the  rock, 
And  leaves  a  smother  of  white  foam  behind. 
How  soft  it  looks! 

GUILHEM 

'T  is  soft  and  pitiless. 
But  why  comes  to  you  here  the  chill  of  death? 

SEREMONDA 

When  Raimon  brought  me  home  I  was  dis 
traught, 
And  tried  to  throw  myself  upon  the  waves. 

GUILHEM 
You  could  not  pass  between  the  bars. 

SEREMONDA 
I  had  passed  through  them  when  he  caught  my 

arm 
I  think  I  could  again. 

(SEREMONDA  climbs  swiftly  to  the  window, 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       59 

and,  passing  out,  stands  smiling  through 
the  bars  at  GUILHEM.  GUILHEM  springs 
up  and  seizes  her.) 

GUILHEM 

For  God's  sake,  have  a  care! 

(SEREMONDA  returns  laughing.  GUILHEM 

holds  her  in  his  arms.) 
You  must  not  play  with  Death.  You're  not 

your  own. 

SEREMONDA 

If  I  am  yours,  my  master,  tell  me  this :  — 
What  will  you  do  with  me  ? 

GUILHEM 

I'll  take  you  to  the  priest  to-morrow  morn. 
We  shall  be  wedded  ere  the  sun  is  high. 
We'll  gallop  to  my  castle  in  the  fields,  — 
My  little  castle  with  the  lilied  moat,  — 
And  there  I  think  you'll  find  the  joy  of  life. 

SEREMONDA 
The  joy  of  life! 


60       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

GuiLHEM 

And  many  happy  years  we  there  shall  dwell. 
We  three,  my  lady,  you  and  I  —  and  Love. 

(GuiDA  rushes  in  pale  and  breathless.) 

GUIDA 

Count  Raimon  lives! 

(GUILHEM  and  SEREMONDA  come  forward 
hand  in  hand.) 

GUILHEM 

Good  God!  He  is  not  dead? 

SEREMONDA 
(Fiercely) 

Who  says  he  lives? 

GUIDA 

*T  was  Clara  brought  the  word. 
He's  in  the  village  drinking  at  the  inn. 
Listen!  There  goes  the  trumpet  at  the  gate. 
One  moment  and  he's  here.  What  shall  we  do? 

SEREMONDA 
We'll  kill  him  as  he  climbs  the  stair. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       61 

GuiDA 

You  are  distraught;  you  know  not  what  you  say. 

GUILHEM 

0  God!  what  shall  we  do? 

GUIDA 

Unclasp  your  hands.   Here,  Seremonda,  stand 
Where  you  can  greet  him  at  his  entering. 

1  '11  place  myself  between  you. 

(SEREMONDA  pushes  GUIDA  away.) 

SEREMONDA 

Not  you,  not  Raimon,  not  a  soul  shall  stand 
Between  myself  and  Guilhem. 

(GuiDA  makes  an   appealing  gesture,   and 
leads  SEREMONDA  aside.) 

GUIDA 

Are  you  in  love  with  Death? 

(To  GUILHEM) 

You  must  pretend  your  heart  is  fixed  on  me. 
Fear  not  to  swear  it  in  necessity. 


62        RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

GlJILHEM 

And  would  you  mock  at  love? 

y 

GuiDA 

I'd  mock  at  heaven  in  a  time  like  this. 

(Enter  RAIMON,  folllowed  by  BARRAL  and  BER- 
GUEDAN.  GUILHEM  throws  himself  at  RAI 
MON' s  feet.) 

GUILHEM 

My  lord! 

(RAIMON  touches  GUILHEM  on  the  head.) 

RAIMON 

T  is  good  to  see  thee,  lad. 

(RAIMON  turns  to  SEREMONDA,  who  screams 
and  falls  into  GUIDA'S  arms.  The  latter 
smiles  wanly  and  says:) 

GUIDA 

'T  is  but  a  faint.   She  took  you  for  a  ghost. 
She's  overjoyed  at  your  return. 

(RAIMON  rushes  to  help  GUIDA.   VIDAL  and 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       63 

BARRAL  look  wonderingly  from  one  to  an 
other.  BERGUEDAN  stands  near  door  with 
cynical  smile.) 

RAIMON 
Some  cordial,  quick!  How  beautiful  she  is! 


CURTAIN 


ACT  II 


ACT  II.    SCENE  I. 


Early  morning  of  the  second  day.  A  thick  forest 
with  an  opening,  in  the  centre  of  which  is  a  huge 
oak.  A  narrow  path,  left,  rear.  There  is  a  spring 
at  the  left  of  the  tree,  near  its  roots.  Into  it  VIDAL  is 
looking  earnestly.  He  is  on  his  hands  and  knees. 
After  admiring  himself  he  smiles,  ogles,  frowns, 
appears  now  haughty,  now  entreating,  as  he  prac 
tices  various  expressions  which  may  be  useful  to 
him.  BERGUEDAN  appears  in  path,  and,  catching 
sight  of  VIDAL,  watches  him  with  great  amusement. 
At  a  particularly  languishing  expression,  BER 
GUEDAN  bursts  into  loud  laughter,  and  comes 
forward. 

BERGUEDAN 
Narcissus  at  the  fountain,  by  the  mass. 

VIDAL 

I  but  glanced  in  the  brook  to  see  my  beard; 
'T  was  vilely  trimmed  this  morning,  quite  awry. 


68        RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 
BERGUEDAN 

Had  I  your  silly  beard,  I'd  cut  it  off; 
Had  I  your  foolish  face,  I'm  sure  I'd  break 
My  mirror,  and  I  would  not  gaze  in  brooks. 
A  murrain  on  the  day!  Look  at  my  sleeve. 

VlDAL 

'Tis  splashed  with  blood,  and  here's  an  awful 
rent. 

BERGUEDAN 

A  boar's  tusk  did  it,  and  my  skin 
'Scaped  by  a  hair's  breadth. 

VIDAL 

I'd  hunt  a  safer  quarry  than  the  boar. 
My  Lady  Guida  in  the  garden  sits. 
I'll  back  to  her.   She  is  my  game. 

BERGUEDAN 

What  deadly  peril  is  the  fair  maid  in! 
You  should  have  mercy  on  her  helplessness. 
Watched  you  her  face  last  night? 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       69 
VIDAL 

She  did  not  like  your  songs. 

BERGUEDAN 
Nor  did  she  smile  at  you. 

VIDAL 
You  did  not  see  the  glance  she  gave  to  me. 

BERGUEDAN 

I  saw  her  yawn  behind  her  friendly  fan 
When  you  were  singing  to  her  tenderly. 

VIDAL 
She  yawned  not  when  I  climbed  to  higher  C. 

BERGUEDAN 

Climbed,  say  you,  climbed?    You  tripped  and 

fell, 
You  were  a  half-note  flat. 

VIDAL 

You  lie.  I  was  not  flat. 
I'll  wager  my  gold  chain  — 


7o       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

BERGUEDAN 

It  is  not  yours  to  wager.  Give  it  me. 
Good  brother  troubadour,  the  chain  is  mine. 
Here's  Seremonda's  kerchief.   You  have  lost. 
She  gave  the  favour  as  she  pressed  my  hand. 

VIDAL 

Again  you  lie.   She  did  not  give  it  you. 
I  saw  you  pick  it  slyly  from  the  floor 
Where  she  had  dropped  it  when  she  left  the 
room. 

BERGUEDAN 

Your  eyes  are  bright.  No  one  can  cozen  you. 
Fair  Seremonda!  What  thought  you  of  her? 

VIDAL 
She  did  not  fancy  you,  my  friend. 

BERGUEDAN 
What  chance  had  I  with  you  so  close  at  hand? 

VIDAL 

When  I  sang  my  last  song,  beginning  thus,  — 
"Your  lover,  my  beloved,  I  would  be," 
She  looked  at  me  as  she  would  read  my  face. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       71 

BERGUEDAN 
(Laughing) 

She's  not  a  fool  to  read  a  vacant  page. 

VIDAL 

You  '11  know  who  is  the  fool 

When  on  my  hand  I  wear  your  precious  ring. 

BERGUEDAN 

It  is  a  man's  ring.    'T  would  not  fit  a  boy. 
Fair  Seremonda  did  not  look  at  you. 

VIDAL 

She  was  not  well;  for  when  she  sought  her  bed 
She  scarce  could  walk,  so  faint  was  she. 

BERGUEDAN 

She  sat,  a  statue,  carved  in  pulseless-  stone. 
Her  soul  is  rent  in  twain,  one  half  is  full 
Of  love  for  Guilhem,  and  the  other  half 
Is  heavy  with  the  loathing  of  her  lord. 
For  Guilhem  only  had  she  eyes  and  ears. 
She  did  not  value  us  at  our  true  worth. 

(Laughing.) 


72        RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

VlDAL 

Speak  for  yourself; 

I'm  sure  to  wear  your  ring  upon  my  hand. 

BERGUEDAN 

Maybe,  Narcissus,  but  i'  faith  I  think 
The  lady  hath  too  good  a  taste  to  choose 
The  doll-like  image  of  a  man  like  you. 
I  think  that  each  of  us  will  keep  his  own 
Unless  we  trip  young  Guilhem. 

VIDAL 

In  Seremonda's  ear  I'll  breathe  a  word 

Will  make  her  question  Guilhem's  steadfastness. 

BERGUEDAN 

She  would  not  listen,  silly  fool. 
I  know  a  way  to  bring  him  to  the  ground. 
I'll  drop  a  seed  in  Raimon's  jealous  breast 
Which  will  grow  faster  than  his  famous  vine. 
Go  back  and  pose  for  Guida,  'midst  the  flowers. 
I'll  see  the  Count  alone.  He  comes  here  now. 
(Exit  VIDAL.    Enter  RAIMON,  followed  by 
BARRAL.  RAIMON' s  costume  is  disordered, 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON        73 

he  is  hot  and  weary  and  he  carries  a  boar 
spear  in  his  hand,  the  point  red.  His  hands 
also  have  blood  upon  them.  He  first  drinks 
at  the  brook  and  then  throws  himself  on  the 
ground  near  BERGUEDAN.) 

RAIMON 

By  Saint  Michael,  I  scarce  can  lift  my  feet. 
I  was  no  hotter  when  I  crossed  the  sands 
And  climbed  the  rocky  hills  of  Palestine. 
I  wish  this  spring  gushed  ruddy  wine. 

BERGUEDAN 
And  so  do  I.  Will  Guilhem  meet  us  here? 

RAIMON 
Beneath  this  tree. 

BERGUEDAN 
Loves  he  to  hunt  the  boar  as  well  as  you? 

RAIMON 

No  huntsman  is  there  in  wide  Languedoc 
Like  Guilhem,  and  a  boar  spear  in  his  hand 
Is  like  a  flash  of  lightning  from  the  sky. 


74       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 
BERGUEDAN 

I  thought  him  but  a  singer  of  sweet  songs, 

His  only  weapons  glances  of  the  eye 

To  pierce  the  samite  of  a  rounded  breast. 

RAIMON 

A  troubadour,  a  huntsman,  and  a  knight, 
He  is  a  comrade  stanch  beyond  compare. 

BERGUEDAN 
Fair  ladies  would  be  pleased  to  comrade  him. 

RAIMON 

He  little  cares  for  wine  or  ladies'  smiles. 
Saint  Anthony  was  not  more  chaste  than  he. 

BERGUEDAN 

You  know  him  best  —  and  yet  two  years  have 

passed. 
His  songs  are  good. 

RAIMON 

I  liked  your  first  song,  but  the  last  I  thought 
Was  better  suited  to  a  soldier's  camp. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON        75 

BERGUEDAN 
I  Ve  sung  it  in  a  hundred  noble  halls. 

RAIMON 

The  ladies  favoured  Guilhem's.  Tell  me  why? 
They've  heard  them  oft  enough  to  tire. 

BERGUEDAN 

Who  can  explain  a  fondness  or  a  taste? 
You  like  a  rose  and  I  a  violet. 
Mayhap  if  I  had  warbled  Guilhem's  song, 
And  he  sung  mine,  then  Seremonda's  smile 
Had  been  transferred  from  Guilhem's  face  to 
mine. 

RAIMON 

Mayhap. 

BERGUEDAN 
The  smile  was  more  for  Guilhem  than  his  song. 

RAIMON 

What! 

BERGUEDAN 

There  is  no  covert  meaning  in  my  words. 
Guilhem  and  Seremonda  are  no  more 


76       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

Than  children,  who  might  kiss  within  a  ring 
Of  laughing  youngsters,  with  no  thought  of  love, 
No  hint  of  passion  and  no  taint  of  lust. 

RAIMON 
Yet  they  in  truth  are  man  and  woman  grown. 

BERGUEDAN 

But  Guilhem  is  a  saint,  like  Anthony. 
You  said  it  only  now. 

RAIMON 

Yes,  so  I  said.  — 
And  Seremonda  is  a  child,  you  think. 

BERGUEDAN 

A  child  in  innocence,  though  in  her  breast 
There  burns  the  quiet  flame  of  wifely  love. 
Remember  Guilhem  is  a  troubadour; 
Before  his  queen  of  song  he  bends  the  knee, 
Devotion,  not  desire,  in  his  heart. 

RAIMON 
Do  they  in  Aragon? 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON        77 

BERGUEDAN 

In  Aragon  and  Languedoc  as  well. 
True,  there  are  recreants.  Alas!  't  is  true. 

(BERGUEDAN  rises.) 

RAIMON 
Alas!  say  I  as  well;  and  must  you  go? 

BERGUEDAN 

Indeed,  I  must,  for  I  would  con  a  song 
That  you   shall  hear  to-night.   I   hope  't  will 
please. 

RAIMON 

I  am  no  judge  of  songs. 

(Exit  BERGUEDAN,  right.  For  a  moment  they 
sit  in  silence;  then  RAIMON  looks  at  BAR- 

RAL.) 

What  think  you  of  him,  Barral? 

(BARRAL   makes   sinuous   motion   with   his 
hands.) 

He  is  a  snake? 

(BARRAL  nods.) 
What  of  his  words  ? 

(BARRAL  makes  motion  in  front  of  his  mouth 
with  fingers.) 


78        RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

His  tongue  is  forked?  —  I'  faith,  I  think  you're 

right. 

And  there  is  deadly  venom  on  it  too.  — 
To  hear  the  names  of  those  I  love  the  best 
Coupled  so  close  did  violence  to  my  ears.  — 
In  Guilhem  do  I  trust  against  the  world, 
Yet  he's  a  creature  of  warm  flesh  and  blood. 
And  Seremonda!  —  'faith  she'd  tempt  a  saint 
To  leave  the  joys  of  Paradise. 

(RAIMON  starts  up  in  passion.) 
If  I  thought  that  their  dewy  lips  had  touched 
I'd  send  them  both  to  hell. 

(BARRAL  makes  gesture  of  appeal.     RAIMON 

strides  up  and  down  stage.) 

I  see  the  flame 

That  cursed  my  bloodshot  eyes  two  years  ago. 
Oh  ho!  Sir  Devil,  are  you  back  again? 

(Crosses  himself.) 

I  will  remember  what  good  Aimar  said 
Of  him  whose  soul  was  garnished  and  swept 

clean. 

(Crosses  himself  again.) 
Get  thee  behind  me,  Satan!  May  the  saints 
Preserve   my   soul   and   keep   my  heart  from 

sin. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON        79 

(To  BARRAL) 

Go  to  the  priest  and  bid  him  pray  for  me. 

(BARRAL    nods,    smiles    approvingly,    and 

exits.) 
There's  something  wrong,  I  know  not  what  or 

why. 

I'm  like  a  ship  which,  sailing  through  a  mist, 
Hears  sounds  of  warning  bells,  but  cannot  tell 
From  whence  they  come. 

(RAIMON  throws  himself  on  grass  again.) 

(Enter  GUILHEM,  back,  left) 
Guilhem,  sit  down  beside  me. 

GUILHEM 

You  had  good  sport? 

I  see  your  point  is  freshly  painted  red. 

RAIMON 
I  killed  three  boars. 

GUILHEM 

The  same  as  I. 

One  a  swine  royal.  You've  not  lost  your  skill, 


8o        RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

Though  two  long  years  have  passed  since  in  your 

hand 
You  held  the  spear. 

RAIMON 

Yes,  two  long  years  have  passed.   We  both  are 

changed. 
I  know  not  which  the  more. 

GUILHEM 

I'm  taller  by  a  hand-breadth,  but  my  heart, 
Hath  changed  not,  nor  my  love  and  loyalty. 

RAIMON 

How  did  you  come  to  be  a  troubadour? 
Two  years  ago  your  only  thought  was  war, 
The  tourney,  and  the  chase. 

GUILHEM 

I  cannot  tell  whence  came  the  gift  of  song. 
No  more  than  can  the  foolish  lark  who  flies 
Up  from  the  meadow  towards  the  arch  of  blue. 
He,  floating,  sings  he  knows  not  why. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON        81 
RAIMON 

Guilhem,    so  help  your  God  and    your  good 

faith, 
Have  you  a  lady  whom  you  sing  and  love? 

GUILHEM 
How  could  I  sing  if  love  impelled  me  not? 

RAIMON 
Who  is  your  lady? 

GUILHEM 
Alas,  my  lord,  in  God's  name,  ask  me  not. 

RAIMON 
Why  are  you  loath  to  answer  me? 

GUILHEM 

It  is  not  right  for  me  to  name  my  love. 

Bernart  of  Ventadorn  has  truly  said 

It  is  a  foolish  and  a  childish  thing 

To  bare  the  heart  to  one  who  cannot  help. 


82        RED  WINE   OF  ROUSSILLON 
RAIMON 

Who  cannot  help! 

I  promise  I  will  help  with  all  my  power  — 

If  she  is  one  you  may  in  honor  seek. 

GUILHEM 
I  pray  you  do  not  question  me,  my  lord. 

RAIMON 
You  trust  me  not? 

GUILHEM 

I  trust  you  with  my  honor  and  my  life. 
It  is  the  first  rule  of  the  singer's  creed 
To  keep  his  lady's  name  hid  in  his  breast.  — 
(RAIMON  springs  to  his  feet  —  catches  GUIL 
HEM  by  the  throat.) 

RAIMON 

To  hell  with  your  sly,  whining  singer's  rules. 

And  you  shall  follow  them  —  the  name,  I  say. 
(He  pushes  GUILHEM  from  him,  who  staggers 
back  and  falls.  GUILHEM  rises  to  his  feet 
and  tears  open  his  bliaut  at  the  throat.) 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON        83 

GUILHEM 

I'd  rather  die  than  tell  the  name  I  love. 
You  have  a  boar  spear  ready  in  your  hand. 
Here  is  your  mark. 

(RAIMON  poises  the  spear  as  if  to  strike. 

GUILHEM  faces    him    without  flinching. 

RAIMON  lets  the  point  of  the  spear  fall  to 

the  ground.) 

RAIMON 

And  be  forever  mocked  by  silent  lips? 

I  bid  you  by  your  oath  of  loyalty, 

The  sacred  pledge  you  gave  me  as  my  squire, 

Tell  me  the  name. 

(GUILHEM    makes    appealing    gesture,    but 
RAIMON  is  obdurate.) 

GUILHEM 

Only  at  your  command  I  speak,  my  lord. 
'T  is  gentle  Guida  that  I  love. 

RAIMON 

Guida!  I  wish  you  joy  with  all  my  heart. 
A  thousand  joys  I  pray  may  bless  you  both. 


84        RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

I'm  sure  she  loves  you.    Have  you  kissed  her 

yet? 
What  can  I  do  to  aid  you?  Tell  me  what. 


GUILHEM 

I  fear  't  would  startle  her  if  I  too  soon 
Should  speak  of  love.  JT  is  best  to  wait. 

RAIMON 

I  tell  you  try  assault,  not  lengthened  siege. 
Take  here  my  hand  and  with  it  take  my  oath. 
I  swear  to  help  you  all  within  my  power. 
Let  us  go  now  and  seek  her. 

GUILHEM 
My  good  lord,  let  me  go  alone. 

RAIMON 

I'll  be  your  herald,  I  will  act 
As  messenger  to  warn  how  strong  the  force 
Encamped  against  the  gateway  of  her  heart. 
She  will  surrender,  that  I  promise  you. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON        85 

GUILHEM 

Wait  till  to-morrow,  good  my  lord. 

RAIMON 

I  say  to-day.  What  cowards  lovers  be! 

(RAIMON  takes  GUILHEM  by  the  arm,   and 
they  exit  from  right.) 


CURTAIN 


ACT  II.    SCENE  II. 


The  castle  garden.  Morning  of  second  day.  On 
right  is  the  wall  of  the  tower  with  postern  door  deep 
set  in  the  masonry.  On  the  left  are  shrubs  with  a 
path,  front.  At  the  back  is  a  low  wall,  and  beyond, 
the  water  of  the  Mediterranean  with  sails  upon  it. 
The  garden  is  full  of  roses  and  at  the  rear  is  a  stone 
house,  open  front  and  back,  with  red-tiled  roof. 
Here  GUIDA  is  seated  before  a  small  tapestry  frame 
and  by  her  side  is  a  basket  of  many-coloured 
worsteds.  She  faces  toward  the  left,  and  at  rear, 
and  a  little  in  front  of  her,  is  ERMENGARDA. 

ERMENGARDA 

JT  is  near  mid-morning,  for  the  dew  is  gone, 
And  Lady  Seremonda  still  abed. 

GUIDA 
She  rose  an  hour  ago. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       87 

ERMENGARDA 

And  slept  she  well  ? 

GUIDA 

She  scarcely  slept  at  all,  but  by  my  side 
She  lay  all  night  tossing  as  if  distraught. 
To  see  one,  mourned  a  long  twelvemonth  as 

dead, 

Appear  as  if  arisen  from  the  grave, 
Affrighted  her  so  greatly  that  I  feared 
The  shock  would  end  in  madness,  or  in  death. 

ERMENGARDA 
Joy  does  not  kill  —  nor  e'en  to  madness  drive. 

GUIDA 
It  does  not,  she  is  better  now. 

ERMENGARDA 
And  filled  with  joy  to  see  her  lord  again? 

GUIDA 

My  sister  Seremonda  was  not  won 
By  pretty  courtesies  to  melt  the  heart. 
She  was  not  wooed  at  all,  but  wed  by  force. 


88        RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

ERMENGARDA 

Yet  did  she  make  her  vow.    She's  Raimon's 
wife. 

GUIDA 

You're  right.    She  had  a  choice.    'Twas  Rai 
mon's  wife, 

Or  to  be  called  another  name  less  sweet: 
Her  joy  is  tempered  by  these  memories. 

ERMENGARDA 

Tempered  by  memories!  and  by  hopes  as  well, 
Which  have  been  blasted  by  a  sudden  frost. 
My  eyes  are  old,  but  not  too  blind  to  see. 

GUIDA 

My  sister  to  her  lord  is  leal  and  true. 
She'll  give  him  all  the  love  that  he  deserves, 
If  he  be  patient  with  her  now. 

ERMENGARDA 

Patience!   I  know  a  quicker  cure  than  that, 
And  were  I  Raimon  I  would  give  it  her. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON        89 

(Enter  VIDAL,  who  struts  to  and  fro  across  the 
garden,  front) 

GuiDA 

Raimon  will  do  no  wrong, 
Unless  into  his  ear  some  meddler  pours 
The  subtle  poison  of  a  slanderous  tongue:  — 
What  think  you  of  the  little  troubadour? 

ERMENGARDA 
(Scornfully) 

He  is  a  peacock.   If  he  had  a  tail 
How  proud  he'd  be  to  spread  it  in  the  sun. 

GUIDA 
He's  harmless,  quite. 

ERMENGARDA 

I'm  not  so  sure  of  that. 

Heard  you  how  he  was  treated  in  Saint  Gilles? 

GUIDA 
Tell  me  the  tale. 


9o       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

ERMENGARDA 

He  boasted  of  a  lady's  love  for  him 
And  told  of  favours  granted  without  stint; 
The  husband  heard  of  it  and  slit  his  tongue. 

GUIDA 
He  was  well  served. 

(ERMENGARDA  rises  with  difficulty.) 

ERMENGARDA 

Well,  I  must  see  the  maids  are  at  their  work.  — 
(Turning  on  GUIDA  and  shaking  her  finger 

at  her.) 
I    know  not  what  you  mean  by  "slanderous 

tongue"; 

But  tell  you  this,  my  Lady  Circumspect, 
That  there  is  one  whose  lips  cannot  be  sealed. 
One  who  keeps  silent  while  she  is  in  doubt, 
But  will  not  fear  to  tell  the  proven  truth. 

(Exit  ERMENGARDA  with  a  look  of  defiance 
at  GUIDA.  VIDAL  approaches  GUIDA,  who 
occupies  herself  with  her  work.) 

VIDAL 

Working  so  patiently  here  in  the  sun! 
I  fear  you'll  spoil  your  eyes,  fair  demoiselle. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON        91 

GuiDA 

(Coldly) 
The  eyes  are  mine  to  mar  them  if  I  will. 

VIDAL 

Better  the  sun's  eclipse  than  they  grow  dim. 
And  may  I  see  the  picture  that  you  weave 
With  your  white  fingers  ? 

GUIDA 
You  have  the  fairer  side. 

VIDAL 
With  the  loose  worsteds  dangling  all  awry? 

GUIDA 

It  is  the  fairer  side. 

(VIDAL  looks  over  GUIDA'S  shoulder.} 

VIDAL 

Indeed,  you  wrong  your  skill.   You  weave  the 

flight 
Into  far  Egypt  of  the  Holy  Child. 


92       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

GUIDA 

Because  you  see  the  flapping  ears  so  plain? 
It  may  be  Christ  entering  Jerusalem  — 
Or  Balaam  and  his  ass. 

VIDAL 

(Reproachfully) 

You  are  unkind. 

(Enter  BERGUEDAN) 

BERGUEDAN 

I  pray  you,  lady,  be  not  harsh  to  him, 
He  has  a  poet's  soul;  an  unkind  word 
Will  hurt  him  more  than  would  a  blow 
A  man  of  sterner  stuff. 

GUIDA 

And  some  there  be  who  have  such  callous  skins 
They  need  an  oaken  cudgel.   Chiding  words 
Are  wasted  on  a  donkey's  hide. 

VIDAL 

Thank  you,  my  lady.   He  but  tells  the  truth. 
I  fear  your  frown  more  than  a  blow  from  him. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       93 

I  hope  to  win  a  smile  from  you  to-night. 

I  have  a  song  I've  written  in  your  praise 

Which  I  would  finish  carefully. 

I  shall  despair  unless  it  please  you  well. 

(ViDAL  bows  with  great  deference  again  and 
again  on  taking  his  departure,  and  BER- 
GUEDAN  moves  the  basket  of  worsteds  so 
that  VIDAL  trips  over  it  and  nearly  falls.) 

VIDAL 
What  have  I  done? 

GUIDA 

You  Ve  mixed  my  worsteds.  It  will  take  an  hour 
To  sort  the  tangled  threads. 

BERGUEDAN 
Faith!  You  are  clumsy  for  a  carpet  knight. 

VIDAL 

Alas!  what  dreadful  havoc  have  I  wrought! 
Of  all  things  do  I  hate  to  tangle  threads. 
The  peasants  say  it  is  a  sign  of  woe  — 


94       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

The  omen  holds  not  good  to  one  so  fair, 

So  virtuous  and  discreet. 

(ViDAL  exits  through  the  little  door  at  right. 
BERGUEDAN  helps  GUIDA  sort  the  tangled 
worsteds.  RAIMON  and  GUILHEM  appear 
in  path,  left,  front.  RAIMON  leaves  GUIL 
HEM  and  approaches  GUIDA  and  BERGUE 
DAN,  who  look  up  at  sound  of  his  feet.) 

RAIMON 
(To  BERGUEDAN) 

Your  sleeve  is  stained  with  blood, 
You  should  go  wash  it  ere  it  dries. 

(BERGUEDAN  rises  at  RAIMON'S  hint.) 

BERGUEDAN 

Forgive  me,  lady.   Though  I  'scaped  the  boar 
I  have  a  wound  no  medicine  can  heal. 

(BERGUEDAN  bows,  his  hand  on  his  heart,  and 
exits  through  postern  door.) 

GUIDA 

What  make  you  of  this  man  of  Aragon? 
I  think  he  is  a  snake. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       95 

RAIMON 

Why,  so  says  Barral  too.  To-morrow  night 
The  Spaniard  spends  with  us,  then  takes  his 

leave. 
Let  us  forget  him,  for  the  day  is  good. 

GUIDA 
No  day  is  good  when  he  is  in  our  sight. 

RAIMON 

He's  gone.   We'll  talk  of  pleasanter  things.  — 
Sweet  sister,  such  a  pretty  maid  as  you 
Must  have  a  lover  —  mayhap  two  —  or  three. 

GUIDA 
One  lover  is  enough  for  virtuous  maids. 

RAIMON 

And  how  far  has  advanced  this  happy  youth? 
Has  pressed  your  hand?  Has  kissed  your  frag 
rant  lips? 

GUIDA 
He's  breathed  no  word  of  love  to  me. 


96       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 
RAIMON 

'T  is  only  glances,  then.  The  sails  are  spread, 
Yet  you've  not    passed    outside  the  harbour 

mouth. 

I'  faith,  you  need  a  sturdy  helping  oar, 
Or  you  will  never  reach  the  port  of  love. 
Tell  me  his  name? 

GUIDA 
I  will  not. 

RAIMON 
I  '11  throw  these  worsteds  in  the  sea. 

GUIDA 
Throw  them.   I  will  not  tell. 

RAIMON 
If  I  should  guess  his  name,  will  you  confess? 

GUIDA 
Perhaps. 

RAIMON 
'T  is  Guilhem,  then. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       97 

GUIDA 

Perhaps. 
RAIMON 

The  poor  lad  waits 
Behind  the  hawthorn.  I'll  go  fetch  him  here. 

GUIDA 

You  shall  not.   I  should  die  of  shame. 

(GuiDA  covers  her  face  with  her  hands.) 

RAIMON 

I'll  send  him  to  you  with  a  gentle  hint,  — 
The  faintest  hint  that  you'll  not  prove  unkind. 
(RAIMON  joins  GUILHEM  behind  the  haw 
thorn,  pats  him  on  the  back,  and  GUILHEM 
crosses  the  garden  to  GUIDA.) 

GUIDA 

(Whispers') 

What's  in  the  air? 

GUILHEM 
(Whispers) 

I  think  a  shadow  of  the  wing  of  Death. 


98        RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

GUIDA 
(Whispers) 

Has  Raimon  grown  suspicious?  Tell  me  quick  I 

GUILHEM 
(Whispers) 

He's  driven  me  to  such  desperate  straits 
That  I  was  forced  to  say  't  was  you  I  loved. 
Remember,  so  you  bade  me  yesterday. 
The  lie  came  not  too  glibly  from  my  throat. 

GUIDA 
(Whispers) 

There  was  no  other  way. 

And  we  must  play  our  parts.    Take  here  my 
hand. 

Perhaps  he  watches  from  the  hawthorn  hedge. 

Down  on  your  knees  before  me. 

(GUILHEM  falls  on  his  knees.  At  this  moment 
RAIMON  appears,  left,  front,  with  SERE- 
MONDA  behind  him,  to  whom  he  points  out 
GUILHEM  and  GUIDA;  then  exits,  laugh 
ing  happily.  GUIDA  caresses  GUILHEM'S 
bowed  head,  lifts  him  up,  and  draws  his 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON       99 

lips  down  to  her.  SEREMONDA  crosses 
garden  and  stands  before  them,  too  angry  to 
speak.) 

GUIDA 

Has  Raimon  gone? 

SEREMONDA 
Raimon  has  gone  —  but  I  am  here. 

GUIDA 

He  was  suspicious.  We  were  forced  to  act 
As  if  we  loved  each  other.  Well  you  know 
Our  thought  was  but  for  you. 

SEREMONDA 

'T  is  very  pretty  —  as  if  learned  by  rote. 
Yet,  good  my  sweet,  I  think  the  part  you  played 
Was  not  distasteful  to  you,  and  his  kiss 
You  drunk  right  thirstily.  Go,  get  you  gone. 
Go!  ere  I  strike  you.   I  would  speak  alone 
With  this,  the  other  actor  in  the  play. 

(Exit  GUIDA,  silently  protesting.) 


ioo      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

SEREMONDA 

I  know  you  have  no  other  thought  but  me.  — 
I  'm  not  so  sure  of  her.  What  shall  we  do  ? 

GUILHEM 
What  can  we  do? 

SEREMONDA 

I  care  not  what  if  it  but  set  me  free. 

I  cannot  bear  to  live  a  long  deceit. 

I  cannot  bear  his  kisses  on  my  lips. 

I  never  loved  him,  and  I  loathe  him  now. 

Come,  take  me  with  you  far  across  the  sea, 

I  care  not  where,  if  you  are  by  my  side. 

GUILHEM 

Good  God,  I  cannot!  Traitor  to  my  lord 
I  cannot  prove. 

SEREMONDA 

Give  him  his  chance.  Tell  the  whole  truth  to 

him. 
Meet  him  in  armour  wheresoe'er  he  choose. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON      101 

GUILHEM 

I  fear  him  not, 

Though  he 's  a  strong  man,  and  with  sword  and 

lance 
There  is  no  abler  knight  in  Languedoc. 

SEREMONDA 
You're  quicker  far. 

He's  not  the  man  he  was:  his  sufferings 
In  Palestine  have  sapped  his  youthful  strength. 
You'd  surely  kill  him,  and  then  you  and  I 
Could  gallop  to  your  castle  in  the  fields, 
Your  little  castle  with  its  lilied  moat, 
And  there  I  know  I'd  find  the  joy  of  life. 

GUILHEM 
We  three  together  —  you  and  I  —  and  Love. 

SEREMONDA 
Yes  —  you  and  I  —  and  Love. 

(GUILHEM  takes  her  in  his  arms  for  a  moment 
only.) 

GUILHEM 

This  morning  when  we  hunted  the  wild  boar, 
Raimon  was  wearied  in  a  single  hour  — 


102      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

SEREMONDA 

I  tell  you  he  is  just  as  sure  to  die, 
If  he  cross  swords  with  you  on  equal  ground, 
As  if  you  filled  his  cup  with  deadly  drug. 
And  yet  you  '11  have  no  sin  upon  your  soul. 

GUILHEM 
"No  sin  upon  my  soul!" 

SEREMONDA 
You  meet  the  man  with  weapons  in  his  hands. 

GUILHEM 

He  is  not  strong, 

And  he  has  spent  his  strength  in  holy  war  — 

(A  long  pause.) 

I  cannot  take  advantage  of  him  thus. 
Good  God!  I  cannot. 

SEREMONDA 

And  yet  you  say  you  love  me  more  than  life. 
Must  I  drag  through  the  weary,  hopeless  years 
By  Raimon's  side,  whose  very  touch  I  loathe? 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON      103 

Must  I  look  on  while  you  and  Guida  play 
Your  charming  comedy  before  my  eyes  ? 
This  very  moment  all  the  castle  rings 
With  news  that  you  and  she  are  bound  in  love. 
The  thought  of  it  is  gall;  the  sight  was  hell. 

GUILHEM 
I  pray  you  spare  me. 

SEREMONDA 

(Speaking  very  slowly) 

Listen  to  every  lightest  word  I  speak:  — 
To-night  when  we  are  gathered  in  the  hall 
My  praises  shall  you  sing  so  openly 
That  Raimon  and  the  whole  world  shall  know 
You  love  me  only. 

GUILHEM 

It  means  my  death  —  perhaps  your  death  as 
well. 

SEREMONDA 

My  death!  Your  death  as  well! 

What  care  I?  Think  you  life  a  precious  thing? 


104      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

But  yestermorn  my  cup  of  bliss  was  full  — 
We  three  together  —  you  and  I  —  and  Love. 
To-day!  O  God,  why  did  you  let  him  live!  — 

(Exit  SEREMONDA.) 


CURTAIN 


ACT  III 


ACT  III.    SCENE  I. 


The  tiring-room,  evening  of  second  day.  The 
room  is  small,  with  one  narrow  window  on  left.  In 
the  corner  is  a  prie-dieu  with  small  crucifix.  A 
large  chest  at  the  back  with  the  lid  lifted,  and  gar 
ments  of  different  colors  scattered  about.  A  dressing- 
table  with  a  dagger  and  a  jewel-box  on  it  beneath 
window  at  left.  Before  the  table  is  SEREMONDA 
sitting  in  chair.  ADELE,  the  tire-maiden,  is  putting 
ribbons  in  SEREMONDA'S  hair,  two  long  braids. 
Water-clock  at  back  of  room. 

ADELE 
What  will  my  lady  wear  to-night? 

SEREMONDA 
I  do  not  care. 

ADELE 

This  violet  robe  is  very  beautiful. 
'T  is  of  Damascus  silk. 


io8      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

This  crimson  I  am  sure  will  please  your  lord. 
He  likes  bright  colours  passing  well. 

SEREMONDA 
It  is  too  brilliant. 

ADELE 
This  white  robe,  then? 

SEREMONDA 

'Tis  much  too  young  for  me;  'twould  suit  a 

maid 

Who  takes  her  first  communion,  or  a  bride,  — 
'T  would  only  fit  me  for  my  burial. 

ADELE 

I  pray  you,  my  sweet  lady,  talk  not  so. 
You're  scarce  eighteen,  and  white  becomes  you 
well. 

SEREMONDA 
I  feel  so  old  to-night. 
The  garments  of  a  dowager  threescore. 
Would  suit  me  best. 

ADELE 
The  day  has  wearied  you. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON      109 

SEREMONDA 
The  very  soul  of  me  is  enervate  to-night. 

ADELE 
Why,  then,  you  should  to  bed. 

SEREMONDA 

I  '11  not  to  bed. 

ADELE 

Here  is  the  blue  which  young  Lord  Guilhem  said 
Was  just  the  colour  of  your  eyes. 

SEREMONDA 
My  eyes  are  darker,  much. 

ADELE 

Sometimes,  my  lady.  They  are  dark  to-night. 
When  you  are  merry,  then  I  truly  think 
They  match  this  colour  perfectly. 

SEREMONDA 
Choose  what  you  will;  I  said  I  did  not  care. 


no      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

ADELE 
The  crimson,  then,  to  please  your  lord. 

(SEREMONDA  rises,  and  ADELE  is  about  to 
slip  the  robe  over  SEREMONDA' s  head  when 
the  latter  starts  back  with  a  shudder.) 

SEREMONDA 
It  is  the  hue  of  blood,  blood  freshly  shed. 

ADELE 
You  wore  it  yesterweek. 

SEREMONDA 
Take  it  away.   I  '11  wear  the  blue  to-night. 

(ADELE  puts  on  the  blue  robe  and  a  jewelled 
girdle,  after  which  SEREMONDA  reseats 
herself  in  chair.) 

ADELE 

Will  this  rose  garland  suit, 
Or  will  you  wear  a  fillet  in  your  hair? 

SEREMONDA 
The  circlet  of  red  gold. 

(ADELE  adjusts  the  circlet.) 
'T  is  crooked.   Put  it  straight. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON     in 

(Enter  GUIDA) 

ADELE 
(To  GUIDA) 

Is  not  my  lady  beautiful  to-night? 
A  shade  too  pale? 

(To  SEREMONDA.) 
Wilt  have  a  touch  of  red  ? 

SEREMONDA 
No,  nothing  more  to-night.  And  you  may  go. 

ADELE 
Art  sure,  my  lady? 

SEREMONDA 
Go. 

(Exit  ADELE.  SEREMONDA  sits  with  clasped 
hands  in  her  lap.  She  does  not  turn  to  look 
at  GUIDA.) 

GUIDA 

We  have  a  scant  five  minutes,  barely  five. 
When  the  last  drop  of  water  in  the  clock 
Has  dripped  away,  the  hour  of  fate  will  come. 
I  pray  you  bid  him  sing  no  song  to-night. 


H2      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

SEREMONDA 
You  cannot  change  me. 

GUIDA 

Nor  can  I  move  him,  though  I  begged  with  tears, 
He  says  he  waits  your  sign. 

SEREMONDA 

He  needs  no  signal.  He  will  understand, 
The  moment  that  he  looks  upon  my  face, 
And  he  will  sing  a  song  of  love  to  me. 
So  plainly  will  he  sing  that  all  the  world 
Will  know  I  hold  his  heart  within  this  hand. 

GUIDA 

I'm  sure  that  at  the  moment  you'll  relent. 
So  I  have  bade  him  wait  until  you  make 
Some  sign  so  plain  there  can  be  no  mistake. 
You  cannot  give  the  signal  for  his  death. 

SEREMONDA 

I  cannot!  Look  you  at  this  amber  fan. 
I'll  drop  it  on  the  floor.  Then  he  shall  sing. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON      113 

GUIDA 
But  it  might  from  your  careless  fingers  slip. 

SEREMONDA 
I'll  break  it  in  my  hand. 

GUIDA 

The  fan  is  priceless. 

SEREMONDA 

(Laughing) 

And  so  is  Guilhem's  life.  We're  trivial  all, 
We  women,  even  in  the  face  of  death. 

GUIDA 
Oh,  my  sweet  sister,  think  while  yet  there's  time. 

SEREMONDA 

Think,  say  you!  By  your  side  last  night  I  lay; 
I  did  not  sleep.   I  thought  of  many  things  — 
So  many  weary  things  —  until  the  dawn. 
And  only  this  was  settled  in  my  mind. 
I  would  not  live  with  Raimon  —  I  could  not. 
The  years  spread  out  before  me  like  the  sea, 


ii4      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

Each  day  a  lie,  each  moment  a  deceit, 
Each  night  a  dream  of  hell. 

GuiDA 

But  other  wives  have  lived  who  had  no  love 
To  give  their  lords. 

SEREMONDA 
They  have,  I've  seen  them  smile. 

GUIDA 
Choose  you  some  other  way. 

(Wringing  her  hands.) 

SEREMONDA 

At  first  I  thought  with  Guilhem  I  might  fly. 
But  he  would  not.  O  God,  why  give  him  both 
A  conscience  and  a  heart  aflame  with  love? 
Then  I  proposed  that  Guilhem  boldly  speak 
And  leave  the  issue  to  the  judgment  sword. 
At  first  he  would,  but  at  the  last  said  no. 

GUIDA 
Yet  he  may  change  his  mind. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON      115 

SEREMONDA 

He  will  not  change. 
I  tell  you  Raimon  or  myself  must  die, 
And  I  would  kill  him  with  this  slender  blade 

(Takes  jewelled  dagger  from  table.) 
Were  I  not  sure  I'd  also  kill  the  love 
That  Guilhem  bears  me  with  the  self  same  blow. — 
I  cannot  kill  myself  —  at  least  not  yet. 

GUIDA 
Oh,  Seremonda,  do  not  talk  like  that. 

SEREMONDA 

I  think  the  song  will  cut  the  Gordian  knot. 
In  Guilhem's  heart  there  is  no  taint  of  fear, 
And  he  may  fight  when  Raimon  strikes  at  him: 
I  'm  sure  he  would  if  Raimon  struck  at  me.  — 
At  best  Raimon  is  dead;  and  at  the  worst, 
Guilhem  and  I  die  on  the  selfsame  night, 
And  take  the  selfsame  path  to  heaven  or  hell, 
Together,  hand  in  hand. 

GUIDA 
My  sister,  you  are  mad  —  the  bride  of  Death. 


n6      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

SEREMONDA 
I'd  rather  I  were  his  than  Raimon's  wife. 

GUIDA 
But  why  drag  Guilhem  with  you? 

SEREMONDA 

Why?  Then  he  cannot  hold  you  in  his  arms, 
Nor  kiss  you  on  the  lips.  His  will  be  cold. 
I  know  you  love  him  passing  well. 

GUIDA 

T  is  false. 

SEREMONDA 

I  say  you  love  him.  Did  you  like  his  kiss? 
See  how  you  blush,  your  cheek  is  like  the  rose. 

GUIDA 
Why  should  I  lie  to  you  ? 

SEREMONDA 
We  all  are  liars  —  we  who  love. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON      117 

GuiDA 

I  am  not.   I  will  tell  the  truth  to  you. 

If  you  should  say  I  '11  hold  me  to  my  lord, 

Guilhem  is  free  to  love  you  if  he  will. 

Then  if  he  kissed  me  once  again,  but  once  — 

The  hot  insurgent  blood  would  seize  the  heart 

That  is  so  loyal  to  you.  As  it  is, 

I  am  your  sister  and  his  faithful  friend.  — 

I  have  not  begged  you  that  you  give  him  me. 

SEREMONDA 

Give  him  to  you !  I  'd  rather  he  were  dead, 
And  you  and  I  and  all  the  world  were  cold.  — 
I  say  that  he  shall  sing  the  song  to-night. 

GUIDA 

(  Tearfully) 
So  thus  it  ends. 

Since  you  first  learned  to  walk,  your  baby  steps 
Were  wayward.   Wilful  were  you,  and  my  task 
To  watch  in  fear  and  guard  you  'gainst  a  fall. 
You  now  are  grown  a  woman,  and  the  path 
You  take  to-night  will  lead  you  to  a  steep 
From  which  the  fall  is  death. 


n8      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

SEREMONDA 
I  cannot  help  it.   Fate  has  driven  me  on. 

(Suddenly  melting  and  holding  out  her  arms.) 
Give  me  one  kiss,  and  say  you  love  me  still. 
(GuiDA  bursts  into  tears,  falls  on  her  knees, 
and    puts    her    hand    on    SEREMONDA'S 
shoulder,  who  holds  her  in  her  arms.) 

GUIDA 

I  need  not  tell  you  what  you  know  so  well. 
Oh,  little  sister,  listen  to  me  now. 

SEREMONDA 

Do  you  remember,  very  long  ago, 
When  we  were  children,  and  upon  the  beach 
I  raised  a  wondrous  tower  of  sand? 

GUIDA 
Yes,   I  remember. 

SEREMONDA 

You  warned  me  it  was  built  too  near  the  waves, 
But  I  was  wilful  and  would  have  my  way. 

GUIDA 
Yes,  you  would  have  your  way. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON      119 

SEREMONDA 

I've  built  another  castle,  and  to-night 
You  warn  me,  wilful  still,  against  a  wave 
Which  shall  sweep  in  and  wreck  my  tower  wall. 
Again  I  heed  you  not.   I'm  wilful  still. 

GUIDA 
Be  a  good  child  to-night. 

SEREMONDA 

Your  warm  tears  melt  the  ice  around  my  heart, 
And  yet,  e'en  now  I  cannot  promise  you. 
I  know  not  which  uncertain  path  to  take. 

(The  clangor  of  beaten  metal  is  heard  from  the 
hall  and  SEREMONDA  rises.  When  she 
reaches  the  door  she  pauses  as  if  uncertain 
and  embraces  GUIDA.) 

May  all  good  saints  befriend  me  in  my  need! 
Kiss  me  again.   If  e'er  I  win  to  heaven 
By  God's  good  grace,  I'll  find  no  saint  like  you. 
(Exit  SEREMONDA  and  GUIDA.) 

CURTAIN 


ACT  III.    SCENE  II. 


Hall  of  castle.  Evening  of  second  day.  Supper 
is  over.  At  the  far  left,  near  chimney  side,  facing 
front,  sits  RAIMON  on  a  high  chair.  Next  to  him 
is  SEREMONDA  on  chair  with  footstool.  There  is  a 
crescent  of  cushions  on  the  floor,  and  at  right  of 
SEREMONDA  is  one  -placed  on  which  no  one  sits. 
Then  comes  ERMENGARDA  on  chair,  a  vacant 
space,  and  GUIDA  seated  on  cushion.  Close  to  her 
on  her  right  is  BERGUEDAN  stretched  full  length 
on  floor.  Next  is  VIDAL  seated  on  cushion,  and  at 
extreme  right  is  AIMAR  on  a  high  chair  by  the 
chimney-side.  BARRAL  is  pouring  wine  into  cup 
on  small  table  at  left  of  RAIMON.  GUILHEM  is 
pacing  to  and  fro  on  right  of  stage.  All  tables 
cleared  but  one  on  right,  where  sit  AMFOS  and 
AUDIART  drinking  wine. 

RAIMON 

This  is  the  evening  hour  I  love  the  best.    * 
Food  we  must  eat  like  oxen  and  like  dogs, 
But  wine  brings  us  the  very  joy  of  life. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON      121 

SEREMONDA 
The  joy  of  life  from  wine? 

RAIMON 

Wine    spurs   dull    wits    and    loosens    sluggish 

tongues. 

Even  good  Barral  here  could  talk  again 
If  he  would  drink  enough  Roussillon  wine. 

(BARRAL  makes  sign  of  protest.) 

AIMAR 
I  pray  you,  Raimon,  drink  no  more  to-night. 

RAIMON 

May  good  Saint  Bacchus  never  smile  on  me 
If  I  go  sober  to  my  bed  to-night. 

AIMAR 
Your  Bacchus  is  no  saint. 

RAIMON 

He  should  be,  then.    They're  many  with  less 
right. 


122      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 
ERMENGARDA 

"Wine   spurs  dull   wits    and   loosens   sluggish 

tongues  " ; 

And  sometimes,  too,  it  lets  the  devil  loose, 
As  well  we  women  of  Roussillon  know. 
Your  father  — 

RAIMON 

My  father's  settled  for  his  sins  ere  this. 
To-night  my  page  is  clean:  ask  Aimar  there. 
'T  will  stand  a  few  pen  scratches,  and  a  charge 
Of  "too  much  wine"  is  not  a  heavy  sin. 

AIMAR 
All  sin  is  heavy,  my  good  lord. 

RAIMON 

At  Aix  I  met  the  Monk  of  Montaudon, 

Your  brother  in  the  Church,  and  with  him  drank 

Enough  red  wine  to  float  a  ship  at  sea. 

VIDAL 
I  'm  sure  it  was  the  monk  put  you  to  bed. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON      123 

RAIMON 

I  know  not  which  fell  'neath  the  table  first. 
But  when,  next  day,  I  woke  him  from  his  sleep, 
No  single  word  of  penitence  he  spoke.  — 
So  drunkenness  must  be  a  venial  sin. 
To-night  my  heart  is  merry,  and  I  beg 
You  all  to  join  with  me  in  revelry. 

BERGUEDAN 
Right  gladly  will  we  drink  you  cup  for  cup. 

RAIMON 

Hear  you  that,  Guilhem?    Come  and  join  the 

ring. 
There's  a  sad  gap  by  Guida  you  should  fill 

(laughing). 

But  not  a  drop  of  wine  for  you  to-night, 
Your  spirits  are  already  in  the  clouds. 

(GUILHEM  sits  between  GUIDA  and  ERMEN- 

GARDA.) 

VlDAL 

He  cannot  fill  himself  with  wine  and  sing. 


124     RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

RAIMON 

That's  why  I  never  ope'  my  mouth  in  song. 
I'd  rather  drink.  (Laughs.) 

ERMENGARDA 

A  song  to  break  your  never-ending  rank 
Of  marching  flagons  would  not  come  amiss. 

RAIMON 

Another  chiding  word,  my  gracious  aunt, 
And  I  will  sing  to  you. 

(To  BERGUEDAN.) 

My  voice  is  like 
The   squat   green   bird's   who   warbles   in   the 

marsh.  — 

'T  is  too  near  supper  for  you  troubadours. 
Those  lusty  villains  in  the  corner  there 
Shall  cheer  us  with  their  antics  for  a  while.  — 
Here  you,  in  motley  clad,  what  can  you  do? 

(AUDIART  comes  before  the  fire.) 

AUDIART 

I  can  do  this,  my  lord  —  can  you  ? 

(Turns  handspring.) 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON      125 

RAIMON 
(Laughing) 

I  could  have  done  its  like  ten  years  ago, 
But  now,  alas,  my  joints  are  stiff  from  war. 
I  have  a  supple  elbow,  that  is  all. 

(He  drinks  from  tankard  with  exaggerated 

twist  of  arm.) 
Well,  what  more  can  you  do? 

AUDIART 

This,  my  good  lord. 

(AUDIART  turns  repeated  handsprings  inside 
the  circle.) 

RAIMON 

The  last  was  better  —  show  me  of  your  best. 
(AUDIART    performs    several   difficult  feats. 
Coins    are    thrown    on    the   floor    which 
AUDIART  picks  up,  and  then  he  bows  and 
returns  to  the  table  and  flagon.) 

BERGUEDAN 
He  is  a  nimble  villain,  by  my  faith. 


126      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

RAIMON 

Now,  Amfos,  show  us  of  your  mysteries . 

I  swear  you  learned  them  in  the  devil's  school. 

AMFOS 

I  was  his  aptest  pupil,  good  my  lord. 
I  have  some  fire  of  hell  now  in  my  sleeve. 

(AMFOS  draws  fire  from  sleeve.    Exclama 
tions  of  astonishment.) 

RAIMON 

I  wonder  could  I  learn 
To  light  a  camp-fire  on  a  rainy  night? 

AMFOS 
Go  to  my  master  —  he  will  teach  you  how. 

RAIMON 
(Pretending  anger) 

"Go  to  the  devil,"  say  you  to  my  face? 
I'll  have  you  whipped. 

(AMFOS  performs  with  glass  balls.) 

VIDAL 
I've  seen  fair  ladies  toss  men's  hearts  like  that. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON      127 

ERMENGARDA 
An  easy  task  —  they're  lighter  than  the  balls. 

SEREMONDA 
And  will  not  break. 

RAIMON 

My  lady,  why  speak  you  so  bitterly? 
What  know  you  of  men's  hearts  ? 

SEREMONDA 

What  I  have  conned  in  books,  no  more. 
I  found  the  study  dull  and  wearisome. 

ERMENGARDA 

And  never  put  your  learning  to  good  use, 
With  gallant  youths  about? 

SEREMONDA 
I  dared  not.  You  were  always  watching  me. 

ERMENGARDA 
(Furiously) 

I  watching  you ! 


128      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

RAIMON 
(Interrupting) 

Dear  aunt,  frown  not,  she  only  juggles  words. 
Come,  Amfos,  one  more  trick. 

AMFOS 

My  good  lord,  will  you  loan  to  me  a  coin? 
I  can  succeed  with  silver,  but 't  is  best 
If  done  with  gold. 

RAIMON 
(To  BARRAL) 

Give  him  a  silver  coin  and  watch  it  well. 

(BARRAL  tosses  AMFOS  a  silver  coin  which  he 
catches.  He  pretends  to  swallow  it,  and  pro 
duces  it  from  his  ear.  He  puts  it  in  his 
sleeve,  and  takes  it  from  his  shoe.  He  tosses 
it  in  the  air.  It  disappears.  He  calls  to  it, 
and  pretends  to  catch  it  in  his  hand.  He 
tosses  it  again,  calls  to  it  repeatedly,  and 
turns  to  RAIMON.) 

AMFOS 

Alas,  good  Count,  my  magic  is  at  fault. 
I  cannot  give  you  back  your  coin.   It's  gone. 
'T  is  difficult  with  silver,  as  I  said. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROU^SSILLON     129 

RAIMON 
(Laughing) 

I  Ve  seen  the  trick  before,  and  kept  my  gold. 

You  are  the  dupe,  not  I. 

(They  throw  coins  to  AMFOS,  and  he  bows  and 
returns  to  the  table  and  flagon.  All  the  time 
RAIMON  is  drinking,  and  shows  more  and 
more  the  influence  of  his  potations.) 

ERMENGARDA 

He  has  an  impish  look  upon  his  face. 
I  think  it  was  no  joke  where  he  was  schooled. 

AIMAR 
And  hell  is  not  a  joke. 

AUDI  ART 

There  is  a  man  below  who  has  a  bear; 
He  is  from  Italy. 

RAIMON 
Which,  man  or  bear? 

ERMENGARDA 

I  care  not.  To  this  hall  he  does  not  come, 
Or  I'm  to  bed.   I'll  not  be  food  for  bears. 


130      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 
RAIMON 

Fear  not,  my  worthy  aunt.  He'll  not  touch  you, 
Or  he's  no  judge  of  meat.  He  hath  an  eye 
On  Guida,  who  is  tenderer  by  far. 

(To  GUILHEM) 

She  is  a  juicy  morsel,  is  she  not? 
And  you  could  eat  her,  though  you  are  no  bear. 

(Laughs.) 

ERMENGARDA 

It  frets  me  not  that  Guida  is  his  choice. 
I  'm  food  for  neither  man  nor  bear. 

RAIMON 

Well,  gentle  aunt,  the  bear  shall  stay  below. 

(To  BERGUEDAN) 

And  we  will  listen  to  the  lark  from  Spain  — 
Or  nightingale,  whichever  suits  him  best. 
Then  we  will  hear  from  Vidal  if  he  please. 
And  last  from  Guilhem,  if  he  have  the  strength, 
To  tear  himself  away  from  Guida's  side. 

BERGUEDAN 

My  good  lord,  I  will  do  my  best.  Although 
By  better  singers,  I  must  meet  eclipse, 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON     131 

My  voice  is  good  enough  to  start  withal; 
And,  like  the  wise  lord  of  the  Cana  feast, 
You  save  the  best  wine  for  the  last. 

RAIMON 

You  all  are  good,  I  know  not  which  is  best. 
I  am  a  better  judge  of  wine  than  song. 

BERGUEDAN 

I  wish  that  you  would  hear  from  Vidal  first: 
He  did  not  eat  as  much  as  I. 

VIDAL 

I  did  not;  and  I  think  no  one 

Could  rival  him  —  unless  it  be  the  bear. 

My  voice  is  not  its  best,  yet  I  will  sing. 

(ViDAL  rises  from  the  cushion  and  takes  his 
place  in  front  of  the  fire.) 

RAIMON 

At  Beziers  they  told  me  of  a  song 
In  which  you  praised  your  prowess  in  the  field, 
And  told  Sir  Dragoman  of  knightly  feats 
You  could  perform  with  level  lance  in  rest.  — 
You  only  lacked  the  horse  you  begged  of  him. 


132      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

VlDAL 

(Haughtily) 

My  patrons  shower  costly  gifts  on  me 
To  please  themselves  and  for  their  own  fair 

fame.  — 
I  do  not  beg. 

RAIMON 

I  beg  your  pardon  for  my  shabby  word. 
I  beg  you,  sir,  most  humbly  for  a  song. 

(They  all  applaud  RAIMON'S  assumed  hu 
mility.) 

VIDAL 

I  sometimes  use  an  awkward  word  myself: 
The  song  is  good,  and  I  will  give  it  you; 
But  first  I'll  sing  a  beauteous  lady's  praise, 
New  writ  to-day. 

GUIDA 

I'm  sick  of  love-songs.   Sing  of  war. 

RAIMON 

"War,"  say  you,  my  sweet  sister,  and  to-night? 
Well,  Vidal,  't  is  her  choice,  we  wait  for  you. 
(ViDAL  gives  GUIDA  a  glance  of  mingled  re- 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON     133 

proach  and  adoration.  He  sings  with  many 
gestures  and  with  great  affectation.) 

VlDAL 

Sir  Dragoman,  had  I  a  goodly  steed, 
Soon  should  my  enemies  for  mercy  plead; 
For  even  when  they  hear  my  whispered  name, 
They  fear  me  more  than  quail  the  falcon's  greed; 
So  widespread  my  renown,  so  great  my  fame. 

When  I  have  donned  my  glittering  coat  of  mail, 
And  girt  my  sword,  Hugh's  gift  that  cannot  fail, 
Whither  I  go,  the  earth  doth  shake  with  fear- 
No  foes  I  meet  that  do  not  'fore  me  pale, 
And  yield  me  place;  nought  doth  their  pride  avail, 
So  great  their  terror  when  my  step  they  hear. 

Of  chivalry  and  love  I  am  the  flower, 
Bravest  among  the  brave  —  in  lady's  bower 
Is  none  more  courteous  and  more  debonnaire, 
Nor  in  the  battle-field  of  greater  power; 
So  that  my  enemies  in  terror  cower 
At  thought  of  me.  None  to  confront  me  dare. 

(All  applaud  heartily  and  VIDAL  bows  his 
acknowledgment.) 

RAIMON 

What  man  is  this !  He  cleaves  a  helm 
And  breaks  a  woman's  heart  with  equal  skill. 


134      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 


What  havoc  he  must  work  in  poor  Provence. 
I'd  hate  to  pluck  his  beard. 

ERMENGARDA 

I'd  match  a  kitchen  wench  against  the  man. 
I  have  a  maid  who'd  beat  him  with  her  broom. 

RAIMON 

Now,  Berguedan,  it  is  your  turn. 

(VIDAL  takes  his  seat,  and  BERGUEDAN  rises. 
His  story  is  accompanied  by  notes  from  the 
lute.) 

BERGUEDAN 

The  Lord  Saint  Leidier  was  a  troubadour. 
Young  was  he,  brave  and  strong  and  debonnaire. 
He  loved  the  fair  wife  of  rich  Polignac, 
And  Bellisenda  was  the  lady's  name. 

RAIMON 

The  same  old  characters;   we  know  them  well. 
A  lady  —  lover  —  and  her  jealous  lord. 

BERGUEDAN 

The  lady  liked  Saint  Leidier  passing  well, 
But  not  too  well  to  walk  the  path  discreet. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON     135 

He  sang  to  her;  he  gazed  into  her  eyes; 

He  held  her  hand  —  and  kissed  it  —  that  was  all. 

ERMENGARDA 

I  like  her  not.   I  know  she  did  not  keep 
The  proper  path. 

AIMAR 

The  path  to  heaven  is  narrow.   Few  there  be 
Who  find  it,  searching  with  an  honest  heart. 

BERGUEDAN 

Patient  was  young  Saint  Leidier,  but,  at  last, 
He  grew  insistent  that  the  lady  grant 
Some  favour  warmer  than  a  cold  white  hand. 
He  kissed  her  lips,  she  making  sham  defence, 
And  shamming  anger,  as  fair  ladies  do, 
And  have,  and  will,  until  the  world  is  dead. 

GUIDA 

And  are  there  any  ladies  leal  and  true 
And  loyal  to  their  lords? 

BERGUEDAN 
There  may  be  —  one  or  two. 

(GuiDA  makes  gesture  of  protest.) 

This  lady  swore  she  would  not  grant  her  love  — 
Unless  the  Count,  her  husband,  bade  her  yield. 


136      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

ERMENGARDA 
She  should  be  safe  in  that. 

BERGUEDAN 

The  Count  was  named  Heraclius;  and  he 
Was  strong,  and  dark  and  violent. 
The  last  to  be  complacent  to  a  wife 
Who  trod  the  primrose  path  with  careless  feet. 
But  young  Saint  Leidier  would  not  woo  despair: 
He  climbed  the  hill  to  Polignac  one  day, 
And,  entering  the  castle,  met  its  lord, 
And  greeted  him,  a  smile  upon  his  face. 

RAIMON 
Had  I  been  there  I'd  spoilt  his  smiling  face. 

BERGUEDAN 

"How  now,  Saint  Leidier?"  asked  the  surly  Count; 
"Has  laughter  come  to  you  at  early  dawn? 
Some  fair  dame  has  been  kind  to  you  I  swear." 
"Ah,  my  good  Count,"  said  Leidier,  "I  win 
Love  favours  slowly  and  with  toil  and  pain. 
My  lady  swears  she'll  none  of  me,  unless  — 
Her  selfish  husband  bid  her  acquiesce." 

GuiDA 

A  selfish  husband  not  to  share  his  wife? 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON     137 

BERGUEDAN 

When  Leidier  told  him  this,  the  Count  laughed  long. 
"You're  beaten.  Go  seek  solace  where  you  may." 
"Not  yet,"  said  Leidier.   "I'm  not  beaten  yet. 
The  husband  likes  to  sing;  I  make  his  songs: 
He  loves  to  sing  them  to  his  pretty  wife. 
I  've  written  one  which  bids  her  pliant  be. 
She'll  think  her  lord  has  given  his  consent, 
Or,  if  she  understand,  she  still  will  yield 
In  hot  resentment  at  his  foolishness." 

ERMENGARDA 
What  said  Heraclius  to  this? 

BERGUEDAN 

"A  good  plot,  by  Our  Lady!"  cried  the  Count. 
"A  merry  song.  I  bid  you  teach  it  me." 

RAIMON 
And  did  he  teach  him? 

BERGUEDAN 

The  Count  of  Polignac,  he  learned  the  song, 
And  sang  it  to  his  wife,  whom  Leidier  loved. 
Listen,  and  I  will  sing  it  to  you  now :  — 


138      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

Fair  lady,  I  am  sent  to  you,  — 

JT  will  all  be  plain  ere  I  am  done,  — 

To  greet  you  on  behalf  of  one 

Whose  love  for  you  supports  and  cheers. 

And,  lady,  you  need  have  no  fears; 

False  messenger  between  you  two 

He  ne'er  will  be  that  sings  here  now. 

Whoever  else  may  plead  and  woo, 
All  other  loves  I  pray  you  shun. 
Each  day  he  shines  the  more,  and  none 
Seems  worth  a  thought  when  he  appears. 
So  when  toward  love  your  fancy  veers, 
Love  him,  I  beg,  and  warmly,  too,  — 
No  lady  should  reject  his  vow. 

By  this  fair  knight  —  I  know  not  who  — 

Refuse  no  longer  to  be  won. 

For  my  sake  be  not  such  a  nun; 

But  gain  the  love  that  perseveres, 

In  peace  and  concord  through  the  years, 

What  I  advise  't  is  best  you  do. 

Fear  not,  I  order  and  allow. 

AlMAR 

It  was  a  wicked  plot. 

GUIDA 

How  did  it  end? 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON     139 

ERMENGARDA 

It  ended  as  such  stories  always  end, 

Or  Berguedan  had  picked  some  other  tale 

To  poison  us  withal. 

BERGUEDAN 

Their  love  continued  many  happy  years, 
And  many  perfect  songs  he  sang  to  her, 
Until  — 

RAIMON 

Until  the  Count  discovered  them,  one  day, 
And,  with  a  dagger  'twixt  the  lover's  ribs, 
Cut  all  the  music  from  his  artist  soul 
As  one  might  slit  a  viol's  sounding-board. 

BERGUEDAN 
He  was  not  caught,  my  lord. 

RAIMON 

Why  do  they  give  the  lover  all  the  wits, 
The  husband  addled  brains? 

GUIDA 

I  wonder  why? 


140      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

ERMENGARDA 

I  grant  you  this,  my  ribald  troubadour. 
I  never  heard  a  story  better  told. 

RAIMON 

We're  debtors  all. 

Now,  Guilhem,  sing  to  us,  and  then  to  bed. 
You  all  are  drunk.   I  fear  the  winding  stairs 
Will  play  strange  antics  with  your  stumbling  feet. 
(GUILHEM  rises  and  looks  at  SEREMONDA 
enquiringly,  but  she  makes  no  sign.) 

GUILHEM 
What  shall  I  sing?  (Another  long  silence.) 

RAIMON 
Sing  what  you  will;  — I  think  your  hand  is 

caught 
In  Guida's  girdle.  —  Fie  upon  you,  man. 

(GuiDA  looks  at  SEREMONDA  entreatingly. 
SEREMONDA  and  GUILHEM  look  into  each 
other's  eyes.  SEREMONDA  breaks  fan.) 

GUIDA 
May  God  preserve  and  save  us  all! 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON      141 

ERMENGARDA 

Truth!     You    are    careless.     Broken    straight 

across. 

The  fan  is  priceless.  For  a  hundred  years 
It's  wafted  perfumed  breezes  in  this  hall. 

RAIMON 
It's  but  a  fan.  Come,  Guilhem,  sing* 

GUILHEM 
What  says  my  lady? 

SEREMONDA 
Sing. 

(GUILHEM  looks  at  SEREMONDA,  not  GUIDA, 
as  he  sings.  COUNT  RAIMON  looks  wonder- 
ingly  at  GUILHEM,  GUIDA,  and  SERE 
MONDA,  his  face  growing  flushed  and  black.) 

GUILHEM 

The  very  day  one  glimpse  of  you  I  caught, 
When  God  was  pleased  to  let  me  see  your  face, 
My  heart  took  leave  of  every  other  thought, 
And  every  wish  —  except  for  you  —  gave  place. 


142      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

At  first  my  soul  with  reverence  was  fraught: 
I  worshipped  from  afar  your  wondrous  grace. 
Your  hair  a  golden  halo,  heaven-wrought, 
Your  eyes  were  stars,  beaming  in  distant  space. 

But  now  the  joy  of  love  to  you  I've  taught: 
Your  lips  I  kiss,  your  body  I  embrace: 
Your  very  soul  is  mine.  The  world  is  nought: 
Life  cannot  hide  our  love,  nor  Death  efface. 

(When  GUILHEM  finishes,  RAIMON'S  anger 
bursts  into  flame.  He  utters  an  inarticulate 
oath,  and  draws  the  dagger  from  his  girdle. 
He  strikes  at  GUILHEM,  but  BARRAL  throws 
himself  in  front  of  Guilhem,  and  the  blade 
enters  BARRAL'S  shoulder.  BARRAL  falls 
into  BERGUEDAN'S  arms.  RAIMON  is  about 
to  spring  at  GUILHEM  again  when  AIMAR 
comes  between  them,  the  crucifix  held  high 
above  his  head.) 

AIMAR 

Beware  the  wrath  of  God! 
Dare  not  again  the  anger  of  his  Church! 

(RAIMON  staggers  back  into  his  chair,  the 
dagger  clattering  on  the  floor.  All  gather 
around  BARRAL.) 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON     143 

GUILHEM 

Why  did  you  risk  you  life  for  me? 

GUIDA 

Is  he  much  hurt? 

SEREMONDA 
For  God's  sake,  say  he  will  not  die! 

BERGUEDAN 
The  blade  stopped  at  the  bone.  He  will  not  die. 

VIDAL 
God!  How  he  bleeds. 

(GuiDA  brings  cloth  from  table,  and  with  it 
BERGUEDAN  staunches  BARRAL'S  wound. 
SEREMONDA  steps  back,  and  GUILHEM 
goes  to  her.) 

ERMENGARDA 
The  devil  of  Roussillon  loose  again! 


144      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 
RAIMON 

But  one!  They're  seven  devils  laughing  here 
Within  this  swept  and  garnished  soul. 

(RAIMON  breaks  into  a  fit  of  laughter,  strikes 
himself  fiercely  on  the  breast,  then  catching 
sight  of  GUILHEM  by  SEREMONDA'S  side, 
he  becomes  furious,  rises  to  his  feet,  and 
rushing  toward  them,  falls  senseless  to  the 
floor.  AIMAR  and  VIDAL  go  to  him  and  the 
former  turns  RAIMON  face  upward.) 

VIDAL 
He  is  not  hurt. 

AIMAR 

Go,  all  of  you,  and  get  you  to  your  rest. 
Go  sleep  in  peace  until  to-morrow  dawns. 
Then  may  God  save  us  all. 

(SEREMONDA  goes  to  GUILHEM  and  clings  to 
his  shoulder.) 


CURTAIN 


ACT  IV 


ACT  IV.    SCENE  I. 


Morning  of  third  day.    Village  of  Roussillon, 
CLARA  is  washing  the  table  in  the  arbour. 

CLARA 
(Sings) 

Love  is  the  wine  of  life,  — 
Let's  drink  it,  you  and  I. 

(Enter  VIDAL  and  BERGUEDAN  by  street  from  cas 
tle.    They  are  serious  and  worried) 

VIDAL 
The  man  was  mad  to  sing  that  song  last  night. 

BERGUEDAN 
Naught  saved  him  but  his  master's  drunkenness. 

VIDAL 

Lucky  for  Guilhem  and  for  Barral,  too, 
Count  Raimon  was  too  blind  with  wine  to  kill. — 
What  will  he  do  to-day? 


148      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

BERGUEDAN 
He  will  not  miss  his  aim  again. 

VlDAL 

The  day  is  cursed. 

The  wind  is  almost  dead,  yet  every  leaf 
Shivers  with  fear.  Even  your  face  is  pale. 
I  wish  I  had  not  come  to  Roussillon. 

(CLARA  appears  at  entrance  to  arbour.) 

CLARA 

Sir  Meddler  and  Sir  Mocker,  by  the  mass! 

(ViDAL  and  BERGUEDAN  do  not  notice  her.) 

BERGUEDAN 
The  Count  still  sleeps? 

VIDAL 
He  has  not  left  his  chamber  yet. 

CLARA 

What  are  you  plotting;  an  affair  of  state? 

(VIDAL  and  BERGUEDAN  look  at  her,  but  do 
not  answer.) 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON     149 

You  have  forgotten  Hebe,  that  is  plain. 

It  is  a  sultry  day:  the  air  is  dry; 

My  wine  is  wet.  What  say  you  to  a  drink? 

VlDAL 

No,  do  not  trouble  us. 

CLARA 

You  were  in  trouble  ere  I  oped  my  mouth. 
No  doubt  tormented  by  your  grievous  sins. 
Guilhem  is  making  his  confession  now: 
His  soul  is  saintly  innocence  to  yours. 

BERGUEDAN 
Is  Guilhem  in  the  church? 

CLARA 
He  entered  near  an  hour  ago. 

BERGUEDAN 

Bring  us  two  stoups  of  wine. 

(VIDAL  and  BERGUEDAN  enter  arbour  and 
take  seats  at  table.  CLARA  goes  into  the 
inn.) 


150      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 
VIDAL 

We'll  wait  to  see  his  face.  — 

BERGUEDAN 
The  lad  is  brave  enough.  He  will  not  flinch. 

(Enter  CLARA  with  two  stoups  of  wine  which  she 
places  on  table) 

CLARA 
Be  careful  of  your  sleeve,  the  table's  wet. 

VIDAL 

(To  BERGUEDAN) 
Where  think  you  they  will  meet? 

CLARA 

Who  meet?  The  table's  wet,  I  say. 

(To  VIDAL) 
I  see  you  keep  the  chain  about  your  neck. 

(To  BERGUEDAN) 
Have  you  your  ring  as  well? 

(CLARA  takes  BERGUEDAN'S  hand  in  hers 
and  looks  at  ring.) 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON     151 

BERGUEDAN 
(To  VIDAL) 

If  we  watch  one,  we're  sure  to  see  them  meet. 

CLARA 

What!  Neither  of  you  won  her  favour  yet? 
Is  Seremonda  cold  to  both  of  you  ? 

(Neither  answers  her.} 

I  do  not  wonder  if  you've  lost  your  tongue. 
You're  worse  than  Barral. 

BERGUEDAN 
Come,  Hebe,  bluntly,  we  would  be  alone. 

CLARA 

You  do  not  like  my  pretty  prattle,  then? 
Well,  call  me  when  you  want  your  flagons  filled. 
(Exit  CLARA,  singing.  RAIMON  comes  slowly 
down  the  road  from  the  castle.  His  eyes  are 
on  the  ground  and  he  mutters  as  he  walks. 
BARRAL  follows  close  behind  him.   The  lat 
ter  has  a  bandage  on  his  shoulder.) 

BERGUEDAN 
Here  comes  Count  Raimon  now. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

VlDAL 

Look  at  his  face. 


BERGUEDAN 
The  fire  of  hell  shines  in  his  eyes. 

(RAIMON  paces  up  and  down  across  square. 
GUILHEM  appears  at  church  door  and  meets 
RAIMON  face  to  face,  the  latter  standing  at 
the  foot  of  the  steps.  They  look  into  each 
other's  eyes  with  no  word  of  greeting. 
GUILHEM  shows  no  sign  of  fear.) 

RAIMON 

Go  to  the  armoury  and  bring  me  here 
Two  boar  spears,  like  to  like. 

GUILHEM 
I'll  hasten,  my  good  lord. 

(GUILHEM  exits  up  road  to  castle.  RAIMON 
walks  to  and  fro,  his  hands  clenched  behind 
his  back,  his  eyes  fixed  on  the  ground.  He 
pauses  in  front  of  BARRAL,  but  does  not  lift 
his  eyes  as  he  speaks.) 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON     153 

RAIMON 

So,  Barral,  pious  Guilhem  lied  to  me. 
He  has  no  love  for  Guida,  that  is  clear. 
His  song  last  night  told  plainly  whom  he  loves. 
(RAIMON  crosses  the  stage  and  stops  in  front 

of  BARRAL.) 

This  morning  he  shall  bare  his  soul  to  me. 
I  would  not  harm  him,  for  he  is  a  boy, 
And  sang  as  Seremonda  bade  him  sing.  — 
She's  not  a  child.   I'll  wring  the  heart  of  her, 
I'll  wring  her  heart  until  it  oozes  blood. 

(BARRAL  makes  gesture  of  entreaty.) 
Get  you  to  hell! 

Or  lift  your  mute  appealing  hands  to  heaven. 
You  cannot  move  me. 

(Again  RAIMON  crosses  stage  and  returns.) 
Through  Guilhem  only  can  I  hurt  her  much.  — 
That's  bad  for  Guilhem,  for  I  hate  him  not.  — 
I  fear  the  lover  or  the  lord  must  die  — 
The  jealous  lord. 

(RAIMON  looks  into  BARRAL'S  face  with  a 

sinister  smile.) 

If    Guilhem    dies,    he    goes    straightway    to 
heaven  — 


154      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

He's  better  far  in  heaven  than  I  in  hell. 

(RAIMON  laughs  bitterly.) 
Your  hands  move  not,  your  lips  are  mute, 
Yet  your  entreating  eyes  are  eloquent.  — 
If  I  can  think  of  any  curious  plan 
By  which  I  may  at  Seremonda  strike 
And  not  harm  Guilhem,  I  will  follow  it. 

(GuiLHEM  enters  and  gives  the  boar  spears  to 
RAIMON.  The  latter  balances  first  one  and 
then  the  other  in  his  hand.  Takes  one  and 
then  the  other,  holds  it  above  his  head  and 
strikes  with  it.  He  studies  them  carefully, 
then  hands  them  back  to  GUILHEM  and 
asks:) 
Which  think  you  is  the  better  of  the  two? 

GUILHEM 

They  are  twin  spears,  and  like 

As  I  could  find  upon  the  armoury  wall. 

RAIMON 

And  yet  they  differ.  Look  again,  — 
Look  carefully  and  tell  me  which  you  choose. 
(GuiLHEM  tests  first  one  and  then  the  other 
spear.   He  gives  them  back  to  RAIMON.) 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON     155 

GuiLHEM 

That  in  your  right  hand  has  the  straighter  shaft 
And  slightly  keener  blade.  By  a  hair's  breadth 
It  is  the  better  weapon. 

RAIMON 

Take  it,  and  I  will  hold  to  this. 

Meet  an  me  hour  hence  beneath  the  oak, 

The  great  oak  in  the  distant  wood. 

GUILHEM 
I  will  not  fail  you,  my  good  lord. 

(As  GUILHEM  passes  the  shrine  he  pauses  for 
a  moment,  kneels,  crosses  himself,  and  then 
hurries  away  toward  the  castle.  RAIMON 
watches  him  as  he  kneels,  a  sinister  smile 
on  his  face,  and  when  he  has  disappeared 
RAIMON  turns  to  BARRAL  and  laughs 
mirthlessly.) 

RAIMON 

(Pointing) 

This  is  the  forest  road. 

He  goes  the  longer  way.  I  wonder  why? 


156      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

(RAIMON  enters  the  street  leading  to  the  forest 

and  BARRAL  starts  to  follow  him.) 
Go,  get  you  to  the  castle.    (BARRAL  hesitates.) 

Go,  I  say. 

(Exit  RAIMON  down  street  to  forest;  exit  BAR 
RAL  up  road  to  castle.  VIDAL  and  BER- 
GUEDAN  have  been  watching  and  listening 
from  the  arbour.  They  now  enter  the  square 
together.) 

VIDAL 
His  face  was  like  a  mask. 

BERGUEDAN 
His  voice  was  like  to  one  who  talks  in  sleep. 

VIDAL 

What  would  he  with  the  boar  spears  ?  Were  they 

swords 
I'd  think  it  meant  a  duel  to  the  death. 

BERGUEDAN 

With  swords  and  armour  't  is  a  sport  for  boys. 
With  boar  spears  and  unmailed,  one  man  must 
die. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON     157 

VlDAL 

You  think  they'll  fight? 

BERGUEDAN 

I  am  not  sure.  I  'd  like  to  follow  them. 
I  would  were  I  not  clad  in  glaring  red. 
Your  sombre  green  is  like  the  forest  leaves. 

VIDAL 

I'll  spy  on  them. 
I'll  wager  what  you  will  I  am  not  seen. 

BERGUEDAN 

My  ring  against  your  chain. 

(VIDAL  exits  street  to  forest,  BERGUEDAN 
road  leading  to  castle.  CLARA  comes  to  door 
and  sees  them  as  they  disappear  and  CLARA 
says:) 

CLARA 
They've  gone,  and  have  not  paid  me  for  the 

wine. 

How  strange  they  were  as  if  they  feared  some  ill. 
There  is  an  evil  spell  upon  the  day. 

CURTAIN 


ACT  IV.    SCENE  II. 


Hall  of  Castle,  evening  of  third  day.   BERGUE- 
DAN  walks  before  the  fire,  his  hands  clasped  behind 
him,  evidently  troubled  and  in  deep  thought). 
(Enter  VIDAL  hurriedly) 

VIDAL 

The  chain  is  yours. 

(He   takes   it  from   neck   and  hands   it  to 
BERGUEDAN.) 

BERGUEDAN 

What  care  I  for  your  chain?   He  caught  you, 

then? 
You  know  not  what  has  happened  in  the  wood  ? 

VIDAL 

I'd  almost  reached  the  oak  when  a  dry  twig 
Cracked  'neath  my  footstep  and  the  frenzied 

Count 
Turned  on  me  with  the  boar  spear  in  his  hand. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON     159 

He  swore  a  fearful  oath  he'd  pierce  my  heart 
If  e'er  he  saw  my  ferret  face  again. 

BERGUEDAN 

A  ferret!  By  the  mass,  he  flattered  you. 
You  were  a  donkey  stumbling  in  the  path. 
I  wish  he'd  kept  his  oath,  you  clumsy  fool. 

VIDAL 

I'd  give  three  times  the  value  of  the  chain 
If  I  were  but  an  honest  league  away. 
There  is  a  curse  upon  these  castle  walls, 
The  smell  of  blood,  the  numbing  chill  of  death, 
Is  in  the  tainted  air. 

BERGUEDAN 

You're  like  a  frightened  child 

Who  sees  a  ghost  in  every  shadowy  nook. 

VIDAL 
God  knows  there's  reason  for  my  fear! 

BERGUEDAN 
What  think  you  happened  in  the  distant  wood? 


160      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

VlDAL 

I  think  they  fought  beneath  the  giant  oak,  — 
The  Count  came  back  alone. 

BERGUEDAN 

How  looked  the  Count? 

VIDAL 

A  little  hour  ago 

I  had  a  glimpse  as  up  the  stairs  he  came. 
His  face  was  pale,  his  eyes  as  red  as  fire, 
And  on  his  left  arm  was  his  mantle  hung 
As  if  beneath  its  folds  something  was  hid. 
His  glance  was  furtive,  and  he  swore  at  me 
A  dreadful  oath.  To  curses  I  am  used, 
But  not  an  oath  like  that. 

BERGUEDAN 

Would  Guilhem  raise  his  hand  against  his  lord? 
Perhaps  he  took  to  flight  and  now  is  safe 
Nested  in  some  snug  castle  in  the  North. 

VIDAL 

Guilhem  took  not  to  flight. 

You  saw  his  face,  you  heard  him  when  he  said, 

"Truly  I  will  not  fail  you,  my  good  lord." 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON     161 

BERGUEDAN 

I  wish  we  had  not  come  within  these  walls. 
This  is  no  place  for  meddlers.   By  the  mass, 
I  think  so  tangled  are  these  threads  of  life 
They  cannot  be  unsnarled.  The  hand  of  Death 
Will  break  them. 

VIDAL 
And  mayhap  us  as  well;  let's  go  at  once. 

BERGUEDAN 
And  bring  suspicion  swiftly  on  our  heels  ? 

VIDAL 

Do  what  you  will.  I  shall  prepare  for  flight. 
I  say  there  is  a  curse  upon  these  walls. 

(Exit  VIDAL.    BERGUEDAN  paces  the  floor  a 
little  while  and  then  follows  VIDAL.) 
(SEREMONDA  enters  with  ADELE) 

ADELE 

The  crimson  would  have  suited  you  the  best, 
And  put  new  colour  in  your  pallid  cheeks. 

SEREMONDA 
Am  I  so  pale  to-night? 


162      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

ADELE 

You  're  very  pale,  my  lady,  and  your  robe 
Makes  you  appear  more  wan.    The  garland, 

too;  — 
I  pray  you  let  me  change  it.  You  are  ill. 

SEREMONDA 

My  faintness  has  not  left  me  since  I  fell 
In  Guida's  arms. 

ADELE 
I'll  run  and  get  a  cordial  from  your  room. 

SEREMONDA 

No;  help  me  to  the  window. 

(SEREMONDA  goes  to  the  window,  leaning  on 

ADELE'S  shoulder.) 

How  soft  and  fragrant  is  the  wind  to-night, 
'T  is  like  a  lover's  fingers  in  my  hair. 

(There  is  a  cry,  and  SEREMONDA  starts  with 
hand  at  her  throat  and  stares  into  the  dark 
ness.) 
What  was  that  cry? 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON     163 

ADELE 

Only  a  gull  dropping  upon  the  waves. 
You've  heard  its  like  a  thousand  times  before. 

SEREMONDA 
It  sounded  like  a  man's  last  dying  wail. 

ADELE 

They  say  that  in  the  gull's  white  breast  there 

dwells 

The  soul  of  some  lost  sailor  drowned  at  sea  — 
You  should  to  bed,  my  lady. 

SEREMONDA 

To  bed!  I  could  not  rest.   I  am  not  well, 

But  not  so  ill  as  to  be  put  to  bed. 

We  should  have  news  of  Guilhem.  It  is  late. 

ADELE 
He  may  have  lost  his  way. 

SEREMONDA 

You  think  he's  safe? 


164      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

ADELE 
I'm  sure  he's  safe,  only  a  little  late. 

SEREMONDA 

May  the  good  saints  preserve  him  from  all 

harm! 
I'm  better  now,  Adele,  and  you  may  go. 

ADELE 
You  feel  quite  well? 

SEREMONDA 

Quite  well  —  Good-night.    You're   very   good 
to  me. 

ADELE 

Good-night,  my  lady. 

(Exit  ADELE.  SEREMONDA  looks  after  her 
smiling,  then  turns  to  the  window.  An 
other  cry  from  the  sea.) 

SEREMONDA 

The  gull  again!  I  wonder  if  lost  souls 
Dwell  in  the  bodies  of  the  wandering  birds. 
I'll  ask  good  Aimar.  He  will  know. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON      165 

(Enter  GUIDA.    She  is  pale  and  frightened) 

GUIDA 

Count  Raimon  has  returned  —  alone. 
Where  Guilhem  is,  there  is  no  one  to  tell. 

SEREMONDA 
You  think  him  dead? 

GUIDA 

I  know  he  went  with  Raimon  to  the  wood. 
Each  had  a  boar  spear  in  his  hand. 

SEREMONDA 

So  went  they  yestermorn.  To-day  they  had 
No  other  thought  except  to  hunt  the  boar. 

GUIDA 

No  other  thought!    He  heard   the  song  last 

night  — 
Your  song  —  proclaiming  Guilhem's   love  for 

you. 

It  was  the  quiet  of  the  crouching  wolf. 
You  should  have  seen  his  eyes  —  his  dreadful 

eyes  — 


i66      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

When  first  he  left  his  bed  and  entered  here. 
I  slipped  behind  the  arras,  faint  with  dread. 
Your  lord  stood  brooding  by  the  chimney-side. 
And  Barral  sat  shivering  before  the  fire. 
I  held  my  breath  till  Raimon  said  at  last, 
"I'm  glad  I  did  not  kill  the  lad,  last  night." 

SEREMONDA 

Those  were  his  words?    I  tell  you,  Guilhem's 
safe. 

GuiDA 

Safe!  —  and  he  went  with  Raimon  to  the  wood! 
And  Raimon  had  a  boar  spear  in  his  hand! 
And  Raimon  back  again  alone! 

SEREMONDA 

But  Guilhem  had  a  boar  spear,  too. 
I  say  he  lives. 

GUIDA 

Your  saying  will  not  bring  the  dead  to  life  — 
If  he  is  dead  —  I've  questioned  every  one. 
Raimon  could  tell,  but  he  is  like  a  beast. 
When  he  returned  —  it  was  an  hour  ago  — 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON     167 

He  would  not  answer  me  a  single  word, 
But  looked  at  me  with  eyes  as  red  as  fire. 
My  heart  was  still  and  cold  at  sight  of  him. 
Oh,  Seremonda,  I  am  filled  with  fear. 
When  saw  you  Guilhem  last? 


SEREMONDA 

At  early  dawn  a  moment  ere  he  went. 
'T  was  in  the  shadow  of  the  hawthorn  hedge, 
Where  we  have  parted  many  times  before. 
He  held  me  in  his  arms  and  kissed  my  brow, 
He  would  not  kiss  my  lips,  although  I  begged 
That  he  would  press  them  once.   He  shook  his 

head, 

And  smiled  at  me  and  wiped  my  tears  away. 
So  kind  was  he  I  did  not  miss  the  kiss, 
Until  he'd  left  me  and  it  was  too  late. 
A  long  time  looked  he  in  my  eyes  and  said  — 
"Sweetheart,  we  may  ne'er  ride  across  the  fields, 
Nor  reach  the  castle  with  the  lilied  moat: 
Yet  somewhere  we  shall  find  the  joy  of  life, 
We  three  together  —  you  and  I  —  and  Love." 
(GuiDA  bursts  into  tears.    SEREMONDA  tries 

to  comfort  her.) 


i68       RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

(Enter  AIMAR,  who  goes  directly  to  GUIDA) 

GUIDA 

Help  me,  good  father,  I  am  filled  with  fear. 
Did  Guilhem  go  to  you  to-day? 

AIMAR 

He  came  to  me  before  the  sun  was  high. 
And  made  confession.   When  he  left  my  side 
He  was  prepared  to  meet,  with  honest  heart, 
What  Life  or  Death  might  have  in  store  for  him. 

GUIDA 
I  fear  Death  brought  the  message  to  his  soul. 

SEREMONDA 
Tell  us  that  Guilhem  lives. 

AIMAR 

Only  the  good  God  knows. 

{Enter  RAIMON,  who  stands  looking  in  fire) 

GUIDA 
He  knows  —  who  enters  like  a  padding  wolf. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON      169 

AlMAR 

He,  too,  is  in  God's  hand  for  good  or  ill.  — 
So  are  we  all. 

(Enter  BERGUEDAN  and  VIDAL) 

BERGUEDAN 
What  luck,  my  lord? 

RAIMON 
I  killed  but  one  to-day. 

VIDAL 

And  where  is  Guilhem? 

RAIMON 

I  parted  with  him  underneath  the  oak. 

We  will  not  wait  for  him. 

(RAIMON  strikes  with  handle  of  dagger  on 
shield  hanging  on  the  wall  and  the  servants 
flock  in;  also  ERMENGARDA  enters.  They 
take  seats  at  table  beginning  left  of  stage, 
VIDAL,  GUIDA,  BERGUEDAN,  ERMEN 
GARDA,  RAIMON,  SEREMONDA,  and  AIMAR. 
There  is  a  vacant  place  at  SEREMONDA'S 
right  for  Guilhem.  The  table  is  silent.) 


170      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

ERMENGARDA 
Guilhem  is  very  late  tonight. 

(To  RAIMON) 
Where  did  you  leave  him? 

RAIMON 
Beneath  the  great  oak  in  the  distant  woods. 

AIMAR 
You  have  not  sent  to  search  for  him,  my  lord? 

RAIMON 
I  Ve  made  no  search. 

AIMAR 
You  think  no  harm  has  come  to  him? 

RAIMON 

How  can  I  tell? 

(There  is  a  long  silence.   All  eat  but  SERE- 

MONDA.) 

You  touch  no  food  to-night. 

SEREMONDA 
I  am  not  hungry. 


RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON     171 

RAIMON 
(To  SEREMONDA) 

I  bade  the  cook  to  make  a  special  dish. 
It's  like  you  've  never  tasted,  I  am  sure. 

SEREMONDA 

I  have  no  wish  for  food  to-night. 

(The  servant  places  a  platter  with  silver  cover 
before  SEREMONDA.) 

RAIMON 

I  hope  that  you  will  eat  to  please  your  lord, 
Whose  heart  is  grieved  to  see  you  look  so  pale. 
(SEREMONDA  rises  and  points  at  dish.) 

SEREMONDA 
What  meat  is  this  ? 

(RAIMON  looks  up  at  SEREMONDA,  a  malevo 
lent  smile  on  his  face.  He  rises  slowly  and 
looks  into  SEREMONDA'S  eyes.) 

RAIMON 

It  is  the  heart  of  Guilhem  whom  I  slew 

This  morning  'neath  the  great  oak  in  the  wood. 


172      RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

AlMAR 

Guilhem  is  dead! 

RAIMON 
He's  dead. 
He  would  not  fight.  I  killed  him  with  this  hand. 

AIMAR 

Cain  slew  but  one. 

(SEREMONDA,  clutching  at  her  throat,  her 
face  convulsed  with  horror,  staggers  back  to 
the  window,  stumbles  up  the  step,  and  turns 
to  RAIMON.) 

SEREMONDA 

Such  sweet  meat  have  you  given  me,  my  lord, 
I  ne'er  will  eat  again. 

GUIDA 
O,  Seremonda!  Little  child  of  mine! 

SEREMONDA 

I  take  the  selfsame  path  to  heaven  or  hell  — 
I  care  not  which  if  I  am  by  his  side. 

(SEREMONDA    glides    through    the    window. 


RED  WINE   OF  ROUSSILLON      173 

There  is  a  flutter  of  her  white  robe  as  she 
leaps  into  the  sea.  All  rush  toward  the  win 
dow.  RAIMON  is  last,  but  he  throws  the 
others  aside,  seizes  the  bar,  and  struggles 
madly  to  push  by  it.  He  finally  staggers 
back  with  a  cry  of  agony.) 

RAIMON 

And  so  it  ends!  O,  cursed  fiends  of  hell! 
Why  did  you  bid  me  murder  those  I  love? 
They  both  are  dead,  and  in  the  selfsame  path 
They  walk  together,  happy,  hand  in  hand  — 
They  shall  not  leave  me  here. 

(RAIMON  takes  dagger  from  the  table  and 
plunges  it  into  his  breast.  He  staggers  and 
falls  to  the  floor.  AIMAR  lifts  him  in  his 
arms.) 

AIMAR 

Look   at   this   cross.     Confess   that   you   have 
sinned. 

RAIMON 

I  am  a  sinner.  —  May  God  pardon  me.  — 
Come,  Death!  —  Make  haste!  —  I  pray  you,  let 
me  pass. 


174     RED  WINE  OF  ROUSSILLON 

Open  the  gate!  I  must  upon  my  way. 
O,  Seremonda!  Guilhem!  Wait  for  me! 
I  follow  close  behind.   I  am  alone. 

(RAIMON  falls  back  and  dies.) 


CURTAIN 


CAMBRIDGE  .  MASSACHUSETTS 
U    .    S    .   A 


DA 


rS^ii§?^^^ 


JUU 


.a 


YB  74514 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


